Obituary of James Durham Johnson

James Durham Johnson, son of Archie Carnese Johnson and Annie Cordelia Durham Johnson passed away January 27th, 2021 from his battle with cancer.

James, whose biblical name means “Supplanter,”  (unwavering follower of Jesus) followed Christ with all his might, but was also a strong leader of faith for his family and children.  Jim was a skilled upholsterer who accomplished his dream of becoming Broker In Charge and CEO of his private real estate company, Unique Properties. Jim was a man of quick wit and steadfast love for his family, Jesus, good meals, the mountains, and animals of every kind. Jim spent his early years exploring the woods, hunting, learning falconry, playing guitar, and “bringing home every animal besides an elephant” as his mother would tease. Animals and humans alike were drawn to Jim’s empathetic, calm, and patient spirit. His pet monkey, Sammy, and Jim’s warm smile drew the love of his life, Annie Johnson, into the greatest adventure of his life, becoming a father.

He expressed his love through creative banter, goofy faces and pet names, big bear hugs, and sharing his many skills and interests with his children, Bradford and Gabrielle Johnson. Whether he was capturing photographs of nature scenes, taking hikes with his wife, playing tennis with his daughter, or riding mules with his son, Jim had a knack for helping others see the beauty that he saw in the world and encouraged a present optimistic viewpoint of life.  

Jim will be forever remembered and survived by his wife Annie Johnson, son Bradford Durham Johnson, daughter-in-law Kristen Johnson, grandson Lachlan Johnson and daughter Gabrielle Hannah Johnson.

His celebration of life will be held graveside at Markham Memorial Gardens in Chapel Hill, Friday January 29th at 2:00pm.

The Johnson family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Hilslborough.