James T. “Curley” Johnson, age 73, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2024.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1950, in Lake Charles, La. to David Luther Johnson and Elizabeth Wadean Cromwell Johnson.

He was a native of Lake Charles and a graduate of Lake Charles High School where he lettered and was awarded All District Football Player. He attended McNeese State University.

Curley was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a passion for experimental cooking and was known for being a great cook. He worked many years as an A Operator for ExxonMobile Refinery before retiring.

A proud member of the community, James was deeply involved in the Lumberton VFD from 1992 until 2018 and later became the Assistant Fire Chief and Board of Directors President at Pendleton Harbor VFD. He was also an EMT and First Responder. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on his many projects, piddling, and tending to his yard.

Curley is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Shirley Johnson; his children, David James Johnson and wife, Monica, of Marrero, La., Adam Wade Johnson and wife, Chrissy, of Fulshear, Texas and Kristi Holland and husband, Jeremy, of Kountze; his brothers, Zeb Johnson and wife, Mary Beth, of Lake Arthur, La. and Michael Lee Johnson and wife, Joyce, of Church Point, La.; and his cherished grandchildren Hayden, Jonathan, Colt, and James.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Elizabeth Johnson, and his sister, Justine Fontenot.

A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas with a memorial service following at 1 p.m. in Starr Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place at Harper Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Curley’s memory to your local Volunteer Fire Department would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.