Obituary of James Hamilton Johnson

James Hamilton Johnson, 95, of Roanoke passed away Friday, March 31, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Floyd and Augusta Waldrop Johnson, son, Glenn Hamilton Johnson, brother, William Alexander Johnson, sister-in-law, Alice Grey Johnson, sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen J. and Melvin Y. Holt. Jim served his country honorably in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a nationally known Master musician, teacher, conductor, composer and arranger. He earned his B.M. degree from Louisianna State University, a Masters degree from the University of Texas, and his D.M.A. degree from the University of Arizona. He was selected as a charter musical faculty member of Central Arizona College. While serving on the faculty there he composed the school fight son, "Ole! Vaqueros" and a composition entitled "Dedicacion" for the dedication ceremony for the college on May 11, 1970. When he retired from the college he was honored as a Professor Emeritus. Among his many credits are the halftime show for the very first Super Bowl, the second Fiesta Bowl, the 43rd Shrine Bowl and the AFL playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers in 1967. Dr. Johnson moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 1985 and continued to compose and arrange music for various organizations including the Roanoke Valley Community Band whom he also served as Assistant Conductor, The Kazim Shrine Noblemen dance band, Conductor of the Roanoke College Trombone Ensemble and numerous other music organizations. His music has been published and played by bands throught the world. In addition to his membership in numerous music organizations, he was a member of Northview United Methodist Church and American Legion Post # 248. Surviving are his son, James Stuart Johnson and wife Carol of Chandler, AZ; granddaughters, Sara Elizabeth Johnson of Mesa, AZ and Jessica Brooke Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; niece, Sylvia J. Bjorkman and husband David of Greenville, NC; grand nephew, William (Will) E. Bjorkman of Greenville, NC; grand niece, Sara Sealey of Fairmont, NC; first cousin, Lois J. Ramseur of Lumberton, NC; and second cousin, David Ramseur also of Lumberton, NC. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to the music program C/O Northview United Methodist Church 501 Ridgecrest Drive Roanoke, VA 24019 or to the church building fund. A celebration of Dr. Johnson's life will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Northview United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joe Klotz officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707