In Memory

James Johnson



 
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06/25/25 08:58 AM #1    

Ann Shepard (Rueve)

Ann Shepard (Rueve)

It is with great sadness that I inform you of another classmate's passing, James Johnson. The obituary isn't available yet, but arrangements for his going home have been made. The link: https://thompsonhalljordan.com/obituary/james-lawrence-johnson/
I won't even try to summarize his accomplishments, they are many. 
He was simply the dearest of friends. 
James's passion was in mentoring and guiding young black people who were interested in pursuing careers in law. There were few mentors available to him as a young black man studying law. So he founded an organization thirty years ago. This is a link, a tribute to their beloved mentor: https://www.swel.org/home

Last Monday, James's brother informed his friends if anyone wanted to see him, they needed to visit him in the hospital on Monday or Tuesday as a decision was made to discontinue life saving treatment that Wednesday. I visited him on Monday and several other friends visited Tuesday. We all witnessed an incredible outpouring of love. James's room was packed with current members and alumni of the SWEL program. It was overwhelming.

James passed peacefully on Friday morning. 
I will post his obituary as soon as it is available. 
I just learned that James's fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha,will conduct a ceremony prior to the service. 
As I commented on James's niece Cori Johnson's Facebook page announcing his passing:"James and I have been friends since 7th grade at Walnut Hills High.  The school’s motto is “Sursum ad summum” (rise to the highest).  He did that and more in his career. 
He now flies on eagle’s wings."


07/01/25 06:35 PM #2    

Ann Shepard (Rueve)

A tribute to James published in The Cincinnati Herald. https://thecincinnatiherald.com/2025/06/26/swel-founder-james-johnson-passes-away/


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