James "Demo" Johns

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JOHNS, JAMES "DEMO," 73, of Louisville, passed away on July 9, 2011 at Norton Suburban Hospital with the presence of his wife and love of his family.

Demo was a unique individual with a great personality and once met, he was never forgotten. Demo was baptized by Brother A. H. Hicks of First Baptist Church in Morristown, TN and currently belonged to Simpsonville Baptist Church, Simpsonville, KY.

Born in Hamblen County, TN, Demo graduated from Morristown High School where he played varsity ball grades 8 through 12. He was president of his high school sophomore and junior classes. He was recruited by Ermal Allen to play football at University of Kentucky and his positions were right guard and line backer. Blanton Collier was his coach for four years. Demo was captain of the freshman team. The Houston Oilers drafted Demo but he refused the offer. Demo said at that time draftees were offered $600 and a bus ticket; not enough to live on. Besides sports, Demo was in the Air Force Branch of the UK R.O.T.C. for four years and was Colonel Johns, Wing Commander for two years. He was also a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity .

Demo was offered a position with Port Arthur High School in Texas where he coached and taught health, P.E. and math. Janice Joplin was a student in Demo's health class. After one year, he married and returned to Kentucky. After returning to KY, Demo used his B.S. in general business from UK in his 37-year career with Houghton Mifflin Company. Demo received recognition and several awards including the Pinnacle Award and the Dolphin Award for improving the bottom line. He received the FBLA award for service to students. Demo belonged to the KY Bookmen's Association, University of Kentucky Lettermen's "K Club," and was named a KY Colonel by governors: A.B. Chandler, Wendell Ford, and Julian Carol. On September 12, 2010, Demo was inducted into the Morristown High School Sports Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Lee Johns and Jaunita Agnes Lawson; and a son, James Demo Johns Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ima Lewis Johns; his daughter, Hunter Beamer (Andy), two stepsons, Randall Childers (Cindy) and Michael Childers (Kelly). He was blessed with two grandchildren, Lucy and Rex Beamer and six stepgrandchildren, Heather Smith (Dustin) and Campbell, Beckman, Walker, Preston and Kendall Childers. Two people embraced as family as well were David and Paul Kwo and their families.

Demo had many interests including reading, traveling, playing bridge, watching sports and races. Although he was a world traveler, his favorite trip was South Africa and seeing the wild animals free. He loved entertaining friends at dinner and parties and was a great story teller. Everyone loved his stories because he never told the same story the same way twice. Just wait till he tells GOD about not being president of his senior high school class. He appreciated art and music and loved giving and helping others. Demo enjoyed going to historical sights and collecting items of interest from his travels. Although he was ill with cancer for many years, he kept a positive attitude and continued with his interests.

A special thanks to everyone who made this possible: his nurse whom he loved, Kim Weitlauf, his doctor, Don Stevens and all staff at Louisville Oncology. For every kindness and loving help, thanks to the nurses and staff on 5A at Norton Suburban Hospital. Additionally, to family and friends who brought joy and blessings through out this entire ordeal, deep gratitude is extended.

Cremation was chosen with visitation on Friday, July 15, 2011 from 1-9 p.m. with a celebration of stories 7-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10 a.m with inurnment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park . All services will be at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the individual's favorite charity.