James Rufus Johnson

Obituary

James Rufus Johnson Jr.

February 21, 1956 – June 30, 2026

James Rufus Johnson Jr. passed away at Worland Healthcare and Rehab facility on June 30th, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

James was born on February 21st, 1956, in Pompano Beach, Florida, to Bernice Berrain and James Johnson Sr. Bernice relocated her family to Compton, California, soon after his birth. James attended and graduated from Dominguez Senior High School, where he met Beverlyn Crenshaw. They married and had a daughter, Shawnte, in 1977. James would later separate from Beverlyn after relocating to San Pedro, California, where he entered the workforce at the National Beverage Company. There, he would meet and later marry Alvera Johnson, with whom he had two children, Alysia and Jasper.

At the age of 25, James joined the Army, becoming a helicopter mechanic. He served his country with honor and valor and was honorably discharged. James’s training as a mechanic served him well for his civilian career at both Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. Friends and family believed James could fix any mechanical issue thrown his way. James chose to end his work as a mechanic to settle into country living at the base of the Big Horn Mountains near Shell, Wyoming. It was there James would meet his greatest love, Karyne Dunbar.

James and Karyne were together for many years until she sadly lost her own battle with cancer. After her passing, James lived a quiet life, devoting himself to his church and community where needed.

James is known as a kind soul and a straight shooter. He is survived by his children, Shawnte, Alysia, Jasper, bonus children Shane and Sean, brother Larry, grandchildren Kiezaun and DaJinea and great-grandchildren Jaaceion and Sol.

A small private ceremony celebrating James’s life will take place in the fall.