James "Bill" Johnson

James William Johnson, II (Bill Johnson) passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019. He was born on September 21, 1941 in Piedmont, West Virginia. He moved to Columbus, Ohio at the age of 5. Bill graduated from East High School in January, 1960, the last January graduating class. He was a passionate sportsman. He played football, basketball and baseball as a child and in high school. Bill was East High School’s quarterback throughout his years in high school. He was offered scholarships to all of the Big 10 schools and other universities for football. Bill attended Ohio University where he co-founded the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapter. He was avid in bowling, pool and chess. Bill formed pool tournaments throughout the city. He competed and won in several chess, pool and bowling tournaments. He refereed softball and basketball for many years. Bill was a postal worker and later took over ownership of Johnson's Body and Fender Shop following the death of his dad in 1995. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen (Washington) Johnson; grandparents, Elva Derwent, Halice Johnson, Saul and Lillian Washington; and son, Todd Johnson. He is survived by his sisters, Carol Russell and Charlotte Rudd; children, James William Johnson, III, Melonise “Michele” Johnson (Andre Blount), Nakia Johnson, Scott Johnson, Tonya Johnson and Nekia Fields; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.