Celebrating the Life of James Terrel Johnson

Sunrise: September 06,1954- Sunset: July 13, 2025

Service: Saturday 11 am at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1505 Dansby St. Bryan, Texas 77803

James Terrel Johnson, affectionately known as “Tee” or “All Wurl,” transitioned peacefully on July 13, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 70. Born on September 6, 1954, in Benchley, Texas, James was the beloved son of the late Lucy Mae Polk and Daniel Johnson. He grew up in Bryan, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Rhonda Patrice Childs, in the 8th grade at Neal Junior High School. He often recalled how “the hallways parted” the day he first saw her—he knew instantly she was “the one.”
The two married in 1976 and shared over 50 years of unwavering love and partnership. James was a proud graduate of Bryan High School, Class of 1973. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army in the Army Security Agency at Fort Meade, which would later become the NSA. He returned home and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University in 1983. A brilliant and humble engineer, James went on to work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 1983 to 2011, serving as a Space Shuttle Pyrotechnics Expert. He was responsible for the frangible nuts that held the Orbiter Vehicle to the
External Tank—a quiet but critical role that helped launch the dreams of astronauts into orbit.
Beyond the title and technical achievements, James was known for his gentle presence, dry humor, and unforgettable one-liners: “Yon he is,” “Honey hush,” “Holy smokes, my friend,” and “Is water wet?” were some of his signatures. He was mild-mannered most days—unless you crossed him—and then, as his family would say, “get out of the way!” James loved dominoes, slow-smoked brisket, and anything that reminded him of family. His brisket was legendary—perfected over decades, passed down from his grandfather Rueben and sister-in-law Barbara Childs Henry. He was also deeply involved in the PVAMU Alumni Johnson Space Center Chapter and was
instrumental in inspiring the next generation to attend Prairie View. His children, their friends, and many nieces and nephews followed his lead.

T H E L I F E & L E G A C Y

James is survived by his “ride or die” wife, Rhonda; his daughters, Danielle
Bernadette Johnson and Rochelle Monay Johnson; and his cherished grandson,
Jason Amir-Paul Johnson. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings: Daisy Green of
Houston, TX; Sandra Fletcher (David) and Marilyn Jackson (Calvin) of Bryan, TX;
and Daniel Johnson (Beverly) of Hempstead, TX—as well as a host of nieces,
nephews, extended family, and his favorite nephew, Robert Lee.
He joins in rest his parents and eight siblings: Emma Moranza, Claudette Williams,
Charles Johnson, Barbara Knox, Dessie Lee Foley, Mattie Wallace, Edward
Johnson, and Lawrence Johnson. James Terrel Johnson’s life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering love, and extraordinary brilliance. His legacy lives on—in the echoes of rocket launches, the joy of shared laughter, and every perfectly smoked brisket made with love.