James Ernest "J.E." Johnson, 52, of Dunbar, died at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 23, 2006, after a long illness.

J.E. was born on April 8, 1954, the son of the late Arthur and Anna Myrtle Johnson. J.E. attended Dunbar High School and was previously employed by
K-Mart, Loomis Fargo and the State of W. Va.

The manner in which J.E. battled his many illnesses, never complaining and his courage was an inspiration to all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, J.E. was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Col. Harold L. Johnson, his infant brother, Michael and his sister, Marquita
Louise.

J.E. is survived by his wife, Mattie, adopted daughters, Lisa Dunlap of Charleston and Kathy Johnson of South Carolina; brothers, Scott Johnson of
Dunbar, David Johnson of Leavenworth, Kansas, sisters, Sue Loudermilk of Charleston, Nancy O'Neal of Pontiac, Michigan, Judy Johnson of South Charleston and Diana Pottorff of Liberty and 5 stepchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating J.E.'s life will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar with the Rev. Nolan D. Turner
officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 7 p.m., before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to HospiceCare, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064. who cared for J.E. in his final days, or the Serenity Club, 1225 Ohio Ave., Dunbar, WV.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.