Mr. Jimmy Wayne Johnson, 86, of Jackson and formerly of Reelfoot Lake, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Graveside services will be announced at a later date.

Jimmy was born May 22, 1940, near Walnut Log, son of the late Bennett Golden “Rass” and Mildred Maine (King) Johnson. He married Kathy (Krone) Johnson on April 25, 1998. Jimmy worked for more than 30 years for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency as a biologist. He was the author of Rivers Under Siege and Reelfoot Lake: Oasis on the Mississippi and was nominated for the National Wetlands Award by the Environmental Law Institute. Jimmy also served in the United States Air Force and the Army Reserve. He was baptized in the Jordan River by a Messianic Jew.

He is survived by two daughters, Robin Salyers of Humboldt and Kara Peters-Ballard (Lance) of Spring Hill; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jennifer Barnes, Shelvie Key, and Donna Gregory all of Union City and Reta Gooch of Springfield, Missouri; and one half brother, Jack Sanders of Grants Pass, Oregon.

He was also preceded in death by one grandchild, Alec Peters; and two brothers, Billy Johnson and Ronnie Johnson.

Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home (731) 885-1033