James Felton Johnson

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On February 14th, 2023, James Felton Johnson passed to spend his 70th Valentine’s Day with his eternal sweetheart (late) Billie Johnson in their heavenly home.

Delivered by a horse doctor in exchange for a sack of potatoes, James Felton Johnson was the son of Lillian Dale Johnson and Eli Elonzo Johnson. When Felton turned five, his father passed away. While his eight older brothers and nine older sisters were away, Felton worked hard to support his mother from a very young age, sometimes making as little as 10¢ an hour. At 15, Felton traveled from Johnston County to Durham to work in the poultry business for the next 40 years of his life. Felton shared his knowledge of the poultry business at a local and national level, traveled to other countries as a poultry consultant, and regularly took his employees on fishing trips. At one point, he was even the President of the NC Poultry Grower’s Association. He had to quit school after the seventh grade and always joked about how people once referred to him as “Dr. Johnson'', as he worked with many educated colleagues and often gave speeches to the poultry science graduates at NC State University. He may have stopped attending school at a young age, but good faith and the trials of life were his greatest teachers.

A man of God, Felton accepted Jesus as his Savior at 31. Since then, he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, as a Sunday School teacher, and as an active member of Cane Creek Baptist Church for 58 years. If there was something that could be done, Felton could surely do it. Felton enjoyed spending time at the beach and at his farm where he always embarked on new projects and “piddled with” old projects. He applied his worldly knowledge to helping others in need. No matter if your pipes froze, the car broke down, the house needed repairs, or your walls needed painting, Felton was going to be the one to help you with your problem. His kindness seemed to reward him with a friend everywhere he went. Two of his favorite activities was meeting his friends at Bojangles in Hillsborough for a biscuit accompanied by his friend, Priscilla’s, homemade jam and being with his friends at Lakewood Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Family was always a priority to Felton. He may have never heard you come in the door of his home, but as soon as you turn the corner, his face would simply illuminate—seeing you made him happy. He was a real man: one that wasn’t afraid to tell you how much he loved you or cared about you. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as if they were his first-born. He even kept a picture of his daughter in his wallet, joking with strangers in passing about how that’s his “girlfriend.” He and his wife had a garden every year and would work “day in and day out” to produce for his family and community. He always reminded his grandchildren of old sayings from his mother, like “save your nickels and pennies because they make dollars.” An excellent story-teller, Felton would recall memories of the past, like getting lost on his honeymoon, his time driving a tank (Bonnie Bell) during the Korean War, or how tough times were in his childhood. Up until his last day, he still asked what he could do for you and showed concern over your wellbeing. He will be forever remembered and missed for the exemplary husband, father, grandfather “Granddaddy”, and great grandfather he was.

Felton was a good and faithful servant to the Lord, his family, friends, community, church and to his country.

Survived by his three children: Bonnie (Kenny), Rick (Scarlet), and Todd (Sharon). Also, his five grandchildren: Lauren (Brandon), Reid (Halie), Aaron (Chelsea), Cody (Olivia), and Samuel. And four great grandchildren: Bishop, Roland, Briggs, and Bexley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cane Creek Baptist Church or Dr. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, Ga. 30357-9979 (https://store.intouch.org/donate/general