James Russell Johnson September 1, 1993 - November 25, 2011 Age: 18 Westport, Indiana

James Russell Johnson, 18, of Westport died at 4:16 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon, as a result of an auto accident in Jennings County. James was born on September 1, 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Jay A. and Carlotta Ann (Heath) Johnson. He was a lifelong resident of Westport. He was a senior at South Decatur High School, where he was a member of the band, choir and Cougar Company. He participated in the drama productions of the “Wizard of Oz” and “Kiss Me Kate”. He was employed at Frisch’s Restaurant in Greensburg. He was a member of the Westport Baptist Church and had attended the Greenlake Quest in Wisconsin with the youth group. He was a member of the Boy Scouts, participated in the Decatur Youth Baseball program and served as umpire for Little League games. He also enjoyed bass fishing, archery, collecting old vinyl records and was a regular blood and platelet donor. He had a passion for music, playing his guitar, singing, listening to classical music and following the gospel group “Gold City”. He treasured spending time with his nieces, nephews and family.

James is survived by his father, Jay Johnson of Westport; his grandmothers, Rosie Johnson of Westport and Lillian Heath of North Vernon; his sisters, Tessa (Craig) Rigby and Vanessa Lewis both of Westport; 7 Aunts; 6 Uncles; 3 Nieces; 2 Nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carlotta Ann Johnson and his grandfathers, Jerry L. Johnson and Henry William Heath. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Westport Baptist Church with Rev. David A. Scaggs officiating. Burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Decatur County Community Foundation, American Cancer Society, Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Westport Baptist Church.

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