Oral history with Mr. James Madison Johnson

              Oral history with Mr. James Madison Johnson
F341.5 . M57 vol. 747, pt. 1
Funding for this project provided by The Mississippi State Legislature, The Mississippi Humanities Council, The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Southern Mississippi.
This transcription of an oral history by the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage of The University of Southern Mississippi may not be reproduced or published in any form except that quotation of short excerpts of unrestricted transcripts and the associated tape recordings is permissible providing written consent is obtained from the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. When literary rights have been retained by the interviewee, written permission to use the material must be obtained from both the interviewee and the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. Please call ( 601) 266- 4574 for more information.
Biography
Mr. James Madison Johnson was born on March 17, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Eddie Mae Blackston Johnson and Julius Johnson. During his childhood, he lived in George County, Lucedale, Leaf, and McLain, Mississippi. Aptitude for athletics characterized his childhood and adult years as well as an interest in academics. Mr. Johnson attended college at Mississippi Valley State, Jefferson Davis Junior College, and The University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's degree in science. Additionally, he served his country in the United States Navy both full- time for several years and currently in the reserves, bringing his total years in the U. S. Navy to seventeen years. After returning to Biloxi, Mississippi, Mr. Johnson acquired real estate and built his own business, Johnson Properties, as well as working as a teacher and coach.
Table of Contents
I. Childhood
II. Importance of athletics
III. McLain High School
IV. Larry Dantzler
V. Family of origin
VI. Overcoming a stereotype
VII. Football prowess
VIII. Mississippi Valley State
IX. Navy service
X. Home to Biloxi
XI. Attending Jefferson Davis Junior College and The University of Southern Mississippi
XII. Coaching and teaching at Biloxi High School
XIII. Working at the shipyard
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