Jim Johnson

   James Carr Johnson, “Jim”, passed away peacefully at Wendover House in Shelby, NC, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the age of 76.

   Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Kay Johnson, and three children and their spouses, Carrie and Josh Hayden of Charlotte, NC, Craig and Sarah Johnson of Boiling Springs, NC, and Anna and Ryan Ware of Shelby, NC.  He is survived by a brother, David Johnson (Susan) of Charlotte, and eight grandchildren – Hunter Ware, Hendrick Ware, Hudson Ware, Paisley Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Knox Johnson, Mckenzie Hayden and Banks Hayden.  He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Eleanor Johnson, of Charlotte, NC. 

   Jim was born on June 9, 1947, in Stoneybrook, NY. A 1970 graduate of Furman University (Mathematics Major), he continued his education at the University of South Carolina with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics in 1973. He married Linda Kay Willis Johnson in 1982 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  He served as the Men’s Basketball Coach at Spartanburg Methodist College from 1979 - 1989.   He was inducted into the Spartanburg Methodist Athletic Hall of Honor in 2001 for his successful coaching career.

   He worked for Gardner-Webb University for almost 30 years, serving as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach from 1989-1995.  He led his team to the South Atlantic Conference Championship for the 1991-92 season and was also named Coach of the Year.  He then served as a professor in the Math Department from 1995-2023.  As a coach, he valued the relationships and education of his players. He valued and loved all of his students, colleagues and the Gardner-Webb community very much.

   Jim was passionate about his faith, his students, sports (especially the NY Yankees), and spending time with his family.  He was a devout and active member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church for over thirty years.  He volunteered through the years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and Moderator for business meetings.  He was active in the Boiling Springs Rotary Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris fellow.

   The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 2:30 pm at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 3:30-5:00 pm at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in the Family Life Center following the service.  Pastor Aaron Hinton will officiate the ceremony and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. The family would like to thank Atrium Health and Wendover House for their compassion during this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Building Fund at 1106 Poplar Springs Church Road Shelby, NC 28152.

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A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.