Johnny Lee James

Today we gather here to celebrate and carry on the legacy of Johnny Lee James. Johnny graced Hayti, Missouri, on April 8, 1970, born to James Rodgers and Magnolia James. At an early age, Johnny was baptized at Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church. Johnny graduated from Nash Elementary School in 1985 before he attended Austin Community High School, graduating in 1989. Johnny worked as a janitor for many years. Johnny loved family gatherings, playing cards, and dancing. Johnny departed this life on May 23, 2023, at 2:48 AM at Saint James Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois. Johnny was preceded in death by his father, James Rodgers; mother, Magnolia James; brother, Roosevelt McBride; two grandfathers, Leroy Rodgers and Herman McBride, Sr.; two grandmothers, Elnora McBride and Lucille Rodgers; auntie, Bretha Williams; four uncles, John McBride, Herman McBride, Jr., Williams McBride, and Lester McBride; and relative, Angie James. Johnny leaves to cherish his memories: his son, Joshua James of Davenport, Iowa; five sisters, Girthtrue (Frank) Lockett and Pearlie (Eddie) Dyes, both of Chicago, Illinois, Donna (Dallas) Jones and Shilrey (Wayne) Jones, both of Rockford, Illinois, and Ella (James) Wells of Minneapolis, Minnesota; four brothers, James Rodgers, Jr., and Louis Jones, both of Rockford, Illinois, and Larry (Joann) Rodgers and Charlie W. Rodgers, both of Chicago, Illinois; three aunts, Charlene McBride, Lena McBride Epps, and Tecora McBride, all of Clinton, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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