James Thomas "J.T" Johnson

Graveside services for James Thomas “J.T.” Johnson, 79 of Kilgore are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019 at Danville Cemetery with Rev. David Hampton officiating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. Mr. Johnson passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 at his residence in Kilgore, Texas.

Mr. Johnson was born on July 13, 1940 in Graham, Texas to the late William Thomas Johnson and Jeanette Mae. He married Judy Patching Hickerson on May 1, 1971. Jim was a graduate of Isabel High School in Isabel, South Dakota and graduated from Kilgore Junior College. Mr. Johnson served in the Navy during two tours in Vietnam. He served on the USS Randolph from 1958 to 1962 and served on USS Reaper from 1964 until 1967. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Longview Sportsman Bass Club where he served many positions and was an avid bass fisherman. Jim was a loving and caring father, son, grandfather, great grandfather and brother who will be missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Kevin Hickerson and wife Laura of Flint, Texas and Justin Thomas Johnson and Fiancé Lana Olson of Reno, Nevada; daughters, Jamie Johnson Rhodes of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Nadine Johnson Soileau and husband Charles of Ville Platte, Louisiana;

Eight grandchildren, Kandice Cesario and husband Alan of Carole Streams, Illinois, Kyrstin Mettler and husband Kyle of Mossbluff, Louisiana; Corey and wife Jessica Hickerson of Henderson, Texas, Julie Rhodes and Jacob Rhodes both of Fort Worth, Texas, Montana Soileau of Leesville, Louisiana and Hunter Soileau of Federal Way, Washington, Landin Soileau of Ville Platte, Louisiana.

Great grandchildren, Kyra and Kayne Mettler and Emma and Rylie Ceserio.

He is also survived by a brother, Clay Johnson and wife Geisala of Fort Worth, Texas and sister-in-law, Ann Martin of Longview; aunts, Donna Wright and Toy Bird and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as other loving family members.