James Clarence Johnson

James Clarence “Beaver” Johnson Jr. was born to the late Stacie Grant Johnson and James Johnson, on June 18, 1930, in Kansas City, Kansas, Wyandotte County.

James spent most of his youth in KCK, running track in high school and graduating from Sumner High School with the class of 1947.

Later, James served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1968. During his years in service to our country he received a performance award from the Department of the Army as a graduate, obtaining the highest academic award in the class for Non-Commissioned Officers Academy; Cross Country Skier Alaska 100 Mile Ski Award under sub artic conditions; 7th United States Infantry Division certificate for completing guerrilla warfare school; United States Infantry School certificate for qualifying to instruct Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia; journeyed to the artic realms and participated in 1st Battle Manchu 9th Infantry Exercise Artic Shore II and received all the rights and privileges of a “True Artic Manchu”; coached the 1st place US Army track team in Alaska; took top honors at NCO Academy at the completion of the rough academic course with a score of 90.3; and received a commendation medal from the army for meritorious service after more than twenty years of service.

After retiring from the army, he lived in New Jersey, later moving to Kansas City, Missouri and working for the United States Postal Service.

After moving to Kansas City, Missouri, he extended his faith in Christ, joining his mother at her church.  As a member of the Ward Chapel AME Church, he served as a trustee, an usher, and served as usher board president for many years.

On December 30, 1994, he married the love of his life, Glenda Neal, sharing 28 years together.

On April 17, 2023, an angel touched him, and he slept.

Those left with fond memories include, wife, Glenda Neal-Johnson, son, Timothy Johnson (Carol), New Haven CT; daughter, Constance Johnson (Arnold), St Louis MO; sisters, Wilma Mann, KCMO; Kathleen Johnson Thomas, (Alvin), Philadelphia PA; brother, Ronald Johnson (Robyn), Bethlehem, PA; Eric Johnson Sr, New York, NY; stepsons, Tyrone B. Isreal; and Calvin Neal II; KCMO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday May 8, 2023

Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M.

Services will begin at 11 A.M. at  Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church 2126 Prospect ave