March 25, 1932 - September 19, 2020
James H. Johnson, a retired nursing home owner and longtime resident of Conway died September 19, 2020, after an extended illness. He was born in Quitman on March 24, 1932, to Norma Warbritton Johnson and Hulon H. Johnson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Ferrier Johnson, and two grandchildren, Katrina Glenn and Riannon Johnson.
Survivors include his daughter, Jacalyn Johnson Glenn and her husband, Herschel Burt Glenn, and his son, Mark Allen Johnson, all of Conway. Other survivors include four grandchildren, Kimberly Glenn, Herschel Burt (Bubba) Glenn II, Tiffany Johnson and Carrin Johnson. Also surviving are his brother Bill Johnson (Rosanne), along with 11 great-grandchildren.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Conway. He was a supporter of the University of Central Arkansas athletic programs through his membership in the Purple Circle Club, and he and Irene were patrons of Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA.
His father looked at him shortly after birth and said ''he's not bigger than a peanut'' and the nickname stuck with him throughout his life.
Peanut was a graduate of Conway High School and attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA).
Shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War, he and several other buddies from Conway enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After basic training in San Antonio, Tex., his first duty station was in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he met his wife. He was later deployed with his family to Istanbul, Turkey. This was at the peak of the Cold War and he and his unit manned a listening post on the Black Sea to monitor Russian radio activity. After his tour in Turkey, he returned to the states and was assigned to set up civilian Ground Observer Corps in Arkansas and Missouri, again a portion of Cold War defense preparations. He was in the military for eight years.
Mr. Johnson's career in the nursing home industry included managing nursing homes in Wynne and Jacksonville. He returned to Conway and purchased an interest in Meadowlake Nursing Home. He then acquired full ownership and constructed and developed St. Andrew's Nursing and Rehab in Conway.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Crestlawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Mike Ulasewich officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Conway or Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.
The family would like to say thank you to the staff of Stonebridge Assisted Living Center and Kindred Hospice.
Roller Funeral Homes are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funerals and visitations to 100 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering our funeral homes.
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10 Condolence(s)
Sharon Gray Grable
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Jacalyn and Mark, My deepest sympathy for you and your families. I loved your Dad like my own. Whenever I ran into him i always got a big hug. Our families go back many years and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to know and be loved by your parents.
Sharon
Regina Jones
Thursday, September 24, 2020
So sorry to hear of his passing on. He had a very enriching and interesting life ! I loved his stories he would tell. I admired his tenacious personality and warm heart. I know his family will truly miss him, I am sorry for your loss.
Mary Kounnas
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
The news of Uncle Peanuts passing is very sad. My condolences to his family. I loved our visits. I loved our conversations and the thousands of stories while sitting around the table for hours. He was one of a kind! I only regret that we did not get to visit him and Aunt Irene prior to her passing. May he Rest In Peace with his beloved bride ( he called her that) Luv you Peanuts...Give my biggest hugs to Dennis, Irene , Boots and Nana... luv u , Mary Kounnas
Pam Nutter Balentine
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Jacalyn, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a sweet man. He never failed to inquire about my brother, John and how he was doing. They were great pals. We will certainly miss sitting in front of him at UCA football games. No doubt he and your Mom are having a great conversation right now!
Barham Family
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Peanut's family and friends. He was a good man who will be sorely missed by many. God Bless
Bob, Nancy, and Joanne Barham
Ed and Virginia Johnson
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Eddie and I were sorry to learn of Peanut's passing. We both enjoyed getting to visit with both Peanut and Irene a couple of times during our many trips back to Conway to visit our parents. Peanut and Irene were both so full of life... with lots of wonderful stories to tell!
Our sincerest sympathy to the entire family,
Ed and Virginia Johnson
Randy O. Bowling
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
This obit. is indeed a very sad bit of news to hear. Mr. Johnson one of my Little League Baseball coaches, 2nd of 3 years with Kordsmeier Furniture @ YBMA. He was truly a man who loved young people & putting back, teaching them sportsmanship & the true teachings of kids' baseball at the then "YBMA Fairgrounds & Baseball Program".
He was kind, patient (even w/ the little boy who grew up without a Daddy around & no one to teach him how to be an athlete). I was worried about something one night & asked him "Mr. Johnson, if I could hit a baseball & it broke out one of the lights on that centerfield light pole, would my Momma have pay for it" His famous smile & words of encouragement gave me a goal to attain (which I never did attain, but sure tried every time at bat); "Son, if you break out that light bulb one time or everytime you come up to bat. I'll pay for the lightbulb & I'll buy you the biggest lollipop I can find in Faulkner County, Arkansas".
He knew the Nursing Home business inside & out even offered much need advise & wise counsel in the late 1980's when his former Left Fielder was thinking about being a Nursing Home Administrator. He truly cared about his Nursing Home residents too!!!
Faulkner County, & Arkansas as a whole, has truly lost a great man in the passing of James H. "Peanut" Johnson. Nursing Home residents have lost a man who had an immense knowledge of the industry, & who stood firm to "do what is right" in that industry. It is a sad statement that not all in the Nursing Home Industry do not do what is needed w/ his integrity.
Fairwell Coach Johnson, your were one of a very few "coaches" whom I have a great deal of respect for, when using the term "coach". I have lost a man who lived up to the motto: "No man ever stood so tall, as the man who stoops to help a child". James H. Johnson STOOD TALL in that and many areas. Rest in Peace Airman. You sure earned it here on Earth.
Final salute to my next to last surviving little league baseball coach for Kordsmeier Furniture (6 great men):
Year 1: Cecil Harris, Sr. & Orville Rook, Ed.D.
Year 2: James H. "Peanut" Johnson & Bill Lacy, Sr.
Year 3: Hadley Yates, Ed.D. & Jim Fulmer
/s/ Randy O. Bowling
R.O.B./
Christy boswell
Monday, September 21, 2020
His influence on the people around him was amazing and will never be forgotten. I love him. May he rest in peace and love.
Larry and Hilda Malpica
Monday, September 21, 2020
Sending sympathy to your family for the loss of Peanut. May you be comforted by the many people who enjoyed knowing him. We are thankful to have known him.
Ritchie & Adair Howell
Monday, September 21, 2020
Sorry to hear about James passing.