Jimmy Dean Johnson, 66

Graveside services for Jimmy Dean Johnson, 66, of Gainesville, formerly of Ava, were held Sept. 12, 2020, at Jenkins Cemetery with the Rev. Sue Clayton officiating. Mr. Johnson died Sept. 9 at his home.

He was born Sept. 25, 1953, in Mansfield, the son of Jesse Carl and Euna Nola Bloomer Johnson. He grew up in Ava and was baptized at an early age. He graduated from Ava High School in 1971. On Feb. 21, 1975, he married Beverly Dooms and they had two children, Jeremiah and Amber. 

Mr. Johnson went to work right out of high school, working for Marvin Barnes Co. as an electrician. After many years there, he and his brother, Kenny, opened their own business, Johnson Electric, which he operated until 2005. He then worked for Emerson Climate Technologies until his health began to fail.

On Oct. 25, 2008, he married Carolyn Cochran, who became his saving grace. Mr. Johnson loved sports and followed his children, and later his granddaughters, wherever they played. He was an avid Ava Bears fan but would wear a Bulldog shirt every now and then. He enjoyed the days of his bowling league, and he was always up to trying anything at least once. Carolyn even talked him into a hot air balloon ride. He enjoyed dancing until his multiple sclerosis overtook his body.

He wrote stories about his family and read the Bible through twice before his eyesight got too bad. Even though he had more health problems later in life, he never gave up. He was a hard-working family man who always looked for the good in others. He will be missed by all he touched. Thinking of him, friends and family say, “Stroll over heaven now, Mr. Jimmy.”

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Johnson, of Gainesville; one son, Jeremiah Johnson of Ava; one daughter, Amber Johnson of Fordland; step-daughter Penny Britt and husband Gene, and step-son Bill Cochran and wife Amanda, all of Gainesville; five grandchildren, Ally Britt, Abby Britt, Aspyn McCanless and husband Lain, Aarow Cochran and Calla Cochran; five siblings, Darlene Davis and husband Merle, Luetta Mitchell and husband Mac, Joyce “Jo” Harper and husband Wayne, Gary Johnson and wife Sherry, and Danny Johnson and wife Connie, all of Ava; and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth Johnson and Raymond Johnson and his wife Polly; one sister, Dorothy Siler and her husband Bob; and two infant sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.