Atlas James Johnson

Atlas James Johnson, 82, of Lake Charles was born to Murphy Johnson and Eve Miller in Basile, LA on January 13, 1930 and left this world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 12, 2012 after a courageous battle with numerous medical conditions finally succumbing to acute kidney failure.

He served in the Navy as an electrician after WWII and as a Corporal Medic in the Army during the Korean Conflict earning Honorable Discharges from both branches of the Armed Forces. Upon returning to the civilian life he joined the Fire Department rising to the rank of Captain and retiring after serving for 23 years in Lake Charles. While serving the public as a firefighter he also worked in the downtown area selling shoes for Betty Lee Shoes until they closed. Not yet ready to give up working he worked in the oil industry at various jobs from mixing drilling chemicals and muds to driving crew boats delivering workers and supplies to offshore drilling rigs and platforms. During his remaining years, he enjoyed traveling, being a member of both the VFW and American Legion and a member of the Cajun French Music Association. He also worked as a Security Guard to fill his free time because he was not one to waste time sitting around.

He is survived by three sons, Michael G. and wife Loretta Johnson of DeQuincy, Jimmy W. Johnson of Lake Charles, and Robert J. and wife Valerie Johnson of Arlington, TX. He also has six grandchildren, Heather Michelle and husband, Michael Sloan of Lake Charles, Jason Cleveland, Ryan Odenbrett, and Erin Johnson of DeQuincy, LA, and Joshua and Jordyn Johnson of Arlington, TX; and two great grandchildren, Linda Ellaine Gillman and Baileigh Elizabeth Doucet of Lake Charles. Mr. Johnson is also survived by three sisters, Bernita Tramonte of Lake Charles, Ethyl Molitor of Basile, LA, and Sue and husband Henry Clair of Lake Charles. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Author Johnson of Lake Charles; and his children's mother, Billie Goodwin. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ina J., Rayful H., and Louis Johnson along with one sister, Gwendolyn J. Johnson.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile. The Rev. Brian Taylor will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the services under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue in the funeral home from 8:00 AM until 12:00 noon.