Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mayor James Johnson Dies In January

The year began on a sad note with the resignation and subsequent death of Prescott Mayor James Johnson, making this one of 1995's top news stories.

Because of health problems, Johnson tendered his resignation as the city's mayor in a letter to the council dated Dec. 19, 1994.

The letter stated his doctors advised him his physical situation would not improve and he would not be able to continue doing his duty, as elected, as mayor of Prescott.

Johnson was suffering from leukemia and had been hospitalized in Little Rock for a number of weeks before resigning. Howard Taylor, the city recorder, had been acting mayor in Johnson's absence.

During his tenure as mayor Johnson had been straightforward with the citizens of Prescott. His attitude didn't change once he learned of the cancer. In fact, he made a public announcement vowing to fight the dreaded blood disease.

Initially his fight appeared to be succeeding as the leukemia seemed to be in remission. However, a few months later, it reappeared.

Johnson spent a good deal of time in and out of hospitals during 1994, but did find the strength to campaign for office a week before the general election in November.

He continued to be optimistic and believed he would eventually beat the disease. This, however, was not to be.

Shortly after the election, Johnson found himself back in a hospital, this time battling pneumonia as well as leukemia. He fended off the pneumonia, but continued his fight against the cancer.

Realizing he could not keep being the aggressive mayor he had been, Johnson wrote the letter to the council giving his resignation date as Jan. 1, 1995.

Selecting a new mayor was the first item of business for the city council in the new year. City attorney Glenn Vasser said a special election would have to be held to determine a new mayor. The election was held March 14, with Howard Taylor, who had been appointed interim mayor, winning hands down.

Leukemia claimed Johnson's life Jan. 5, two days after the council had agreed to hold a special election to find a new mayor.

Members of the council called Johnson an "inspiration", who was "always on the go."

Johnson was involved with the area's baseball program and the Lions Club for many years.

The baseball facility behind Prescott High School was named in Johnson's honor in March.