JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family, friends and community members came together in song and prayer on Tuesday to remember former Raines High School principal and longtime football coach Jimmie Johnson.
The school announced last week the death of Johnson, a beloved fixture in the area for decades. He was 88 years old.
Countless people attended his funeral, which was held Tuesday morning at St. Paul AME Church on New Kings Road.
During the service, attendees were asked to raise their hands if Johnson helped them or their children. All of the hands in the room were raised, showing just how many lives he touched.
Johnson was a coach and then became principal of Raines, serving in that capacity from 1979 to 1995. Johnson then served on the Duval County School Board from November 1996 through November 2004.
“He cared about his students. He cared about his football players, and he made sure you stayed on the right track,” said Ivan Williams, a friend and former player of Johnson. “It’s a loss to this community, it’s a loss to this church and a loss to the legacy of Raines High School. But one thing we do know is that legacy lives on.”
Johnson is also remembered as a loving father, husband and friend and faithful church member.
“You inspired a whole community of people to believe they could be No. 1, that they could be excellent if they did what they were supposed to do,” said Jewel Johnson, his daughter.
It was clear that he had an everlasting impact on many people in the many roles he served.