James Douglas Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court | |
| In office 1959–1966 | |
| Preceded by | William J. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Guy Amsler |
| Member of the Arkansas Senate from the Twenty-second district | |
| In office January 12, 1953[1] – 1957 | |
| Preceded by | (redistricting)[2] |
| Succeeded by | Gaither C. Johnston |
| Constituency | Ashley and Chicot counties |
| Member of the Arkansas Senate from the Twenty-seventh district | |
| In office January 8, 1951[3] – January 12, 1953[1] | |
| Preceded by | Ohmer C. Burnside[4] |
| Succeeded by | (redistricting)[5] |
| Constituency | Ashley and Chicot counties |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 20, 1924 Crossett, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | February 13, 2010 (aged 85) Conway, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (1950–80) Independent (1980–83) Republican (1983–2010) |
| Spouse |
Virginia Lillian Morris Johnson
(m. 1947; died 2007) |
| Children | Mark Johnson John David Johnson Joseph Daniel Johnson |
| Education | Cumberland University |
| Occupation | Attorney, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942 |
| Rank |  Corporal |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
James Douglas Johnson (August 20, 1924 – February 13, 2010), known as "Justice Jim" Johnson, was an Arkansas legislator and jurist known for outspoken support of racial segregation during the mid-20th century. He served as an associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court from 1959 to 1966, and in the Arkansas Senate from 1951 to 1957. Johnson unsuccessfully sought several elected positions, including Governor of Arkansas in 1956 and 1966, the United States Senate in 1968, and Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1976, 1980, and 1984.[6] A segregationist, Johnson was frequently compared to George Wallace of Alabama.[7] He joined the Republican Party in 1983.
- ^ a b "SOS" (1998), pp. 302–304.
- ^ "SOS" (1998), p. 303.
- ^ "SOS" (1998), pp. 302–303.
- ^ "SOS" (1998), pp. 300–303.
- ^ "SOS" (1998), p. 304.
- ^ "Former Justice Jim Johnson dies". Log Cabin Democrat. February 14, 2010. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
- ^ "Racist "Justice" is dead, but not gone". Salon. February 18, 2010. Retrieved October 5, 2014.[better source needed]