Mike Johnson

On January 9th, 2025 at 2:19 P.M. James Michael Johnson Jr.'s fight with his autoimmune disease ended as he was called home to be with the Lord. Born on April 6, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, Mike was the son of James Michael Johnson Sr. and Mary Ann Johnson Tucker. Throughout his life Mike was known by many names - Mikey Boy, Bear, Dad, Sonny Boy - but his favorite was Papa.

Mike led a life devoted to public service, spending nearly four decades working in law enforcement and investigations. Mike's law enforcement career began in 1988 when he joined the Winnsboro Police Department. Mike's career as a Police Officer was marked with both heroics and hijinks. He eventually rose to become a Patrol Lieutenant and helped raise a generation of East Texas police officers who continue to serve the community today. Although his men feared his retribution and his red pen, they grew to love and respect him even more. He retired in 2006 as a Master Peace Officer. Mike’s next career as a Special Investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was, as he often said, "the hardest thing I have ever done." But Mike knew the children he helped needed him. After nine years at CPS Mike could no longer bear that cross. In 2015, he began working as an Investigator for the Regional Public Defender's Office for Capital Cases, where he continued to serve until the day he passed.

Mike's dedication to public service was only surpassed by his devotion to his family. In 1991 Mike married his first love, Amber, who helped him raise their two children for 24 years. Although they are now separated you would have never known it by seeing them interact with each other, as they continued to raise grandchildren together as a team. Mike's true calling became evident the day he became a father. Everything that he did outside of work was to improve the lives of his children, and eventually his grandchildren. Mike spent countless hours teaching them everything he knew and loving them unconditionally. In the second season of his life, he fell in love with Sara, who became an integral part of the family almost immediately. Mike and Sara cemented their love and devotion for each other by marrying in 2022. Although their time together was too short, let there be no doubt that their love for one another is eternal.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Johnson; his mother, Mary Ann Johnson-Tucker; his son, Ryan Johnson; his daughter, Reagan Nicole Harrell and her husband, C.J.; his step-daughter, Jessie Estrada and her husband Bruno; his brother, Matthew Wayne Johnson; his goddaughter, Kristian Houston; countless other men and women that considered him a father figure; and his grandchildren, McKenna, Madden, Marlee, and Mabel. Mike was preceded in death by his father, James Michael Johnson Sr.; his grandmothers, Mary Jo Gibbs and Wilda Johnson; and his stepfather, David Tucker

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