Johnnie Lee James, also known as "John Boy" and "Sonny", was born on June 23, 1941, to the late Jessie and Anna James in Shumansville, Virginia. Johnnie departed this life on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at his residence in Ruther Glen, Virginia, surrounded by his mate, Ann Lea and her daughter Terri Milburn, who called him "Poppy." He was the last of his siblings, and we know that they will greet him with a smile and say, "here comes "Baby Brother".

Johnnie was educated in the Caroline County Public School System and graduated from Union High School in Bowling Green, Virginia in 1961. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Milford, Virginia. He was employed by Sullivan Construction Company for many years. In 1973, he joined the Masons and became a member of the M. W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge No. 126 in Washington, D.C.

After returning to Caroline, he worked for many people replacing and repairing roofs, building decks, installing floors and doing other carpenter related jobs. He loved football and was an avid Washington Redskins fan. He loved to hunt, talk trash and watch "Shootem Up" western movies. His favorite sayings were, "I'm afraid so" and "I'm still kicking, just not so high". Above all, Johnnie loved his family.

He leaves cherished memories to his son, Ronnie Carter (Janis); his daughter, Sharon James Waddey (Dwayne); his devoted mate of over 40 years, Ann Lea and her daughter, Terri Milburn, two grandsons, Dwayne Jr. and Brian Waddey; one granddaughter, Lindsay Carter Datcher (Earl); three great grandsons, Elijah and Ehren Datcher and Zayn Waddey, four nieces, Joyce Allen, Arlene Chapman; two of whom were devoted, Linda Conover and Dianna (Marsha) Newsome, and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends, Harold Coleman, Wilson Ross, Edward Barlow and Earl Lee. Johnnie's humor and loving spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

A walk through viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc; 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Homegoing Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the funeral home with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery, 21795 Mattaponi Trail, Milford, Virginia 22514.

Due to COVID-19 a mask or face covering will be required.

Livestreaming will be available on C.W. Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.