Arthur James Johnson

Arthur James Johnson, or "Dap," as he was affectionately known by close friends growing up, was born in Covington, Georgia on March 21, 1948. 

He departed this earthly life on April 7, 2025. During these seventy-seven years, Arthur led a full and enriching life.  He learned early on to be adaptable when he moved from Georgia to Norwalk, Connecticut. He was twelve years old and about to enter junior. High school. 

He established life-long friendships, including present NBA Hall of Famer, Calvin Murphy. Art graduated from Norwalk High School in 1966.  Following graduation, he had a desire to serve his Country and joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Madrid, Spain. He received several certificates and medals for his performance while in the military and was Honorably discharged in 1970. To pursue training in plumbing, he relocated to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where he has made his home for more than fifty years.

Brother Arthur Johnson was a loyal and dedicated member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 149. He worked on the Plumbers Examining Board and numerous other assigned duties within the Local, including being a union representative on most of his jobs.  He had many years of experience and knowledge, and was loved and appreciated by many. Brother Arthur will be dearly missed,

Arthur was an avid runner and could be seen pounding the pavement around town, even during cold winters and hot summers. When his health began to deteriorate, he was forced to accept inactivity.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, John C. and Anna R. Johnson Ivey, and brother Michael Allen.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Lavetta Bailey, and Karen Johnson, brother John D. Ivey, sister Gwendolyn Woods, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.  He is also survived by his life companion and friend, Rose Harris, and good friends who stopped by and helped, good neighbors available to help where needed. Thank you Bruce Willis and Tony Fitzgerald.  Thank you Mathews Ave, neighbors.  Special thanks for the many many prayers on Art's behalf. Grateful for Brother Danny Mitchell who prayed at Art's bedside during his final hours.  Love and gratitude to Mrs. Charlene Simmons and the God Squad of Pontiac, Michigan.  

A.J., you kept going even when it was okay to stop. We love you and we are going to miss you so much. Rest in Peace.

A visitation will be held on Friday April 18, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave., Urbana.

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