Police Officer James M. "Jimmy" Johnson, Jr.

Police Officer James M. "Jimmy" Johnson, Jr.

Carrollton Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, May 26, 2010

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James M. "Jimmy" Johnson, Jr.

Officer Jimmy Johnson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained almost 30 years earlier as he and two other officers questioned an armed man.

The suspect had come into town with $20,000 in cash in preparation to conduct a large drug deal. As the man and a female acquaintance were watching a movie prior to the drug deal, someone broke into the man's truck and stole the money. The female alerted a gas station clerk that the man was armed with a shotgun and asked the clerk to call the police. Officer Johnson and two other officers located the suspect behind the First Tuesday Mall and blocked his truck with their patrol cars.

Both occupants of the truck exited the vehicle, and the officers recovered the shotgun from inside the truck. After speaking for a few moments, the man, a Florida prison escapee, pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and attempted to escape, holding Officer Johnson hostage.

The man retook possession of the shotgun and started walking Officer Johnson away from the scene. A struggle ensued, and the suspect shot Officer Johnson in the back with the .38 caliber revolver, severely wounding him. The suspect was shot and wounded in the ensuing shootout with the other officers and taken into custody.

Officer Johnson was partially paralyzed from the gunshot wound. He worked for months to learn to walk again but was only able to return to work as a Police Officer for a short time due to the extreme pain he suffered from the gunshot. He left the force in August 1983 and was awarded the department's two highest medals, the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart.

Officer Johnson passed away from the wound on May 26, 2010. His death was ruled a homicide by the county coroner from the effects of the gunshot wound sustained on November 11, 1980.

At the time of the shooting, Officer Johnson had served with the Carrollton Police Department for just under four years. He is survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 55
  • Tour 3 years, 8 months
  • Badge 81

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, November 11, 1980
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Not available

narcotics, escapee, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 10, 2024

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