Rev. Johnson was the pastor emeritus of the New Light Baptist Church, former Principal of Wossman High School, co-founder of the Northeast Louisiana African-American Museum, and retired Title 1 supervisor for the Monroe City Schools.
The Monroe community is mourning the loss of a respected spiritual leader, educator, and community builder, Rev. James Johnson, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Funeral arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Miller Funeral Home.
He was the son of William Johnson and Jerutha Henry and the husband of the Nancy Taylor Johnson.
Rev. Johnson’s life was defined by faith, education, and service.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, he attended school in the Monroe City School System and graduated from Carroll High School. He studied at Grambling State University achieving a Master’s Degree plus 30.
His career
He began his professional career as a teacher in Florida before moving to Monroe, where he had a 42-year career as a beloved social studies teacher at Carroll Junior High School and ultimately as an education leader.
His dedication to students and his passion for education earned him a promotion to vice-principal and then principal Wossman High School. Later, he served 27 years as the Title 1 Supervisor of the City School System, where his leadership helped shape the academic standards for thousands of students across the city.
His Ministry
Beyond education, Rev. Johnson’s calling extended into ministry. He began as a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he accepted his call to preach under the mentorship of the late Rev. A.J. Mansfield. His first pastoral assignment was at Truelight Baptist Church in Winnsboro, Louisiana, where his faithful leadership earned him widespread respect.
In time, Rev. Johnson was elected Pastor of New Light Baptist Church, a congregation he faithfully served for 35 years until his retirement in 2025, when he became Pastor Emeritus.
Under his visionary leadership, New Light moved from its Atkinson Street location to a modern campus on South 4th Street—a facility that now stands debt-free, a testament to his stewardship and faith in God’s provision.
Rev. Johnson was more than a pastor; he was a community developer. He organized a nonprofit corporation through the church to improve neighborhood housing and safety, often opening the church’s doors for community meetings, civic discussions, and voter education initiatives. His ministry stretched beyond the pulpit, uniting faith with tangible acts of progress.
African-American Museum
Together with his devoted wife, Nancy, he helped pioneer the creation of the Northeast Louisiana African-American Heritage Museum, first located on Plum Street, and later in its permanent home at Chennault Park. Their shared commitment to preserving African-American history and culture remains one of their most enduring legacies.
Rev. Johnson also took joy in family, mentoring, and love. He and Mrs. Johnson opened their hearts and home to several adopted children, extending their care and compassion to the next generation.
Affiliations
He was also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., exemplifying the organization’s ideals of achievement and service throughout his life. He also had memberships in the Interfaith of Northeast Louisiana, Twin City Ministers’ Alliance, the Green Oaks Detention Board, and several other community agencies.
Rev. James Johnson’s life leaves an indelible mark on Monroe and beyond. He will be remembered as a man of wisdom, integrity, and unwavering faith—a teacher who built minds, a pastor who nurtured souls, and a leader who built community.
The funeral service will be Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Monroe.
Funeral arrangements are with Miller Funeral Home.
