William James Johnson

William James Johnson died Sunday, January 13, after a brief illness.  Bill was born October 11, 1924 in Lakeland, Florida. He attended school in Tampa and Bartow where he graduated from Sumerlin Institute. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during World War II in Pacific campaigns including the Battle of

Linguian Gulf. After the war, he attended Ringling School of Art where he studied under such noted artists as Hilton Leech and Loren Wilford. His love for the watercolor medium continued after he moved to Atlanta in the early 50's and began painting professionally. He taught part time at Georgia State University and The Atlanta College of Art. His work has been sold at The High Museum Gift Shop. He has been featured in one man shows and has exhibited and received awards in juried shows such as The Arts Festival in Piedmont Park. He is a former member of Artists' Associates and other galleries. His paintings are owned by private collectors

throughout the United States. In addition to his painting career, Mr. Johnson enjoyed a successful career as art director, graphic designer and illustrator. His clients have included Cabin Crafts Carpets, Maier & Berkele Jewelers, Georgia Power Co., Macy's and Rich's and the State of Georgia. Federated Stores commissioned a colorful interpretation of Rich's Great Tree when the lighting of the great tree event was held for the final time on the old Rich's bridge in downtown Atlanta. Some of his awards in the advertising field include a "best in show' and "best campaign of the year" from

The Atlanta Ad Club and a "best single color newspaper ad" in a national competition.

Recently, he continued to enjoy painting while working part time at Intown Ace Hardware in Decatur. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet, and 3 children, Daniel, Averill (Jones) and Edward and 7 grandchildren. Other survivors include 3 brothers and a sister, nieces and nephews. Services will be held Wednesday, 1 PM, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with burial in the Decatur City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home at 760 Pollard Blvd. SW, Atlanta, 30315 or Crossroad's Community Ministries at 420 Courtland St., Atlanta, GA 30308. A. S. Turner & Sons