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Home / Jazz / Funeral Arrangements for “Dr. J”

Funeral Arrangements for “Dr. J”

Jazz legend, Dr. James T. Johnson Jr. — affectionaltely known as Dr. “J,” passed away last week.

Dr. J was the Super Star on the Piano at Jazz @ Emmanuel for 30+ years. In the last year, he and his vocalist wife, Pamela, backed off a bit and found another band, Tom Wendt and friends, to take approx. every other month to lead the music meditations. Dr. J could make that piano sing. Listenin to him, you got the feeling he was accompaning the Holy Spirit with every tune.

His whole countenance would glow with delight as he played, turning to the other band members and connecting with the congregation with a wide smile and flying fingers. Jazz @ Emmanuel was so privileged and honored to have Dr. J lead our vespers worship right to the gate of Heaven. Thank you Dr. J, Pamela and James Johnson III. You are a beautiful family and we at Emmanuel are glad you are part of ours.

Memorial events will take place at St. James AME Church, in Larimer.

Viewings:
Friday, March 27: 2-8 PM
Saturday, March 28: 9-11 AM

Funeral:
Saturday, March 28: 11:00 AM

And on ZOOM

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent toย the Afro American Music Institute to help provide for their many services to a varied student population.
AAMI is now located at 7131 Hamilton Avenue in Homewood, Pgh, Pa 15208
The school is dedcated to raising up its student musicians, exposing them to a wide range of African musical traditions.

Read more about Dr. J

The Afro American Music Institute

WZUM.org

WESA.fm

University of Pittsburgh’s PittWire

The Pittsburgh Courier

Dr. J's Band at Emmanuel

Dr. J at the Piano, Benjamin May on Bass, James Johnson III on Drums and Lou Schreiber on Horns. November 11, 2025

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Our Mission

The Mission of Emmanuel Episcopal Church is to proclaim, reinforce, and renew one’s identity in Christ so that each child of God may be empowered for the work to which the Lord calls them.

SANCTUS

S – Safety through respect.
A – A sense of the Holy (reverence).
N – Norm of Holy Scripture.
C – Centered in prayer
T – Together in expectancy.
U – Unlimited listening with patience.
S – Surrounded by diverse fellowship.

Recent Posts for Reflection

  • Jazz @ Emmanuel – Past, Present, Future – April 12, 2026
  • Good, Good Friday
  • Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
  • Funeral Arrangements for “Dr. J”
  • Jazz Legend, “Dr. J” Goes on to Glory.
  • Jazz @ Emmanuel โ€“ March 8 โ€“ Rejoice!

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Emmanuel on Facebook
Episcopal Dictionary of “Church-y” Words
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Living Compass – Spirituality and Wellness
Retreat on 2 Feet – Contemplative Walking
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  • Join Us
  • Our Church Family
    • A Divine Celebration
    • History
    • Our Building
      • Architecture
      • Historical Landmark
      • Allegheny West Tours
    • Emmanuel Voice
      • Emmanuel Voice 1/26
      • Emmanuel Voice โ€“ February, 2025
      • Emmanuel Voice โ€“ Advent-Christmas Newsletter โค๏ธ๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ๐ŸŒŸ
      • Emmanuel Voice โ€“ Fall 2024
      • Micah 6:8
      • Emmanuel Voice โ€“ February 2024
    • Contact Us
  • Loving God
    • Loving God
    • Sunday Worship
    • Sunday Bible Study
    • Sunday Service on Zoom
    • Total Worship
    • Daughters of the King
    • Jazz
    • OSL โ€“ The Order of St. Luke
    • Zoom Bible Study
  • Loving Our Neighbors
    • Serving One Another
    • Trotting Turkeys Food Drive โ€“ 2025
    • The Giving Tree
    • Harvest Giving
    • Harvest Blessings
    • 9-11 Blessing
    • Blessing the First Responders
    • Love, Teach, Heal
    • Prayer for Prisoners
  • Ladies of Emmanuel
    • Garden Club
    • New Garden Club Starting
      • Garden Club โ€“ October 27, 2024
      • Garden Club โ€“ November 23 and 30, 2024 ๐ŸŽ„
  • Jazz at Emmanuel
    • What is Jazz at Emmanuel?
    • Jazz Legend, “Dr. J” Goes on to Glory.
    • Jazz @ Emmanuel โ€“ Our 34th Season
    • Jazz @ Emmanuel โ€“ Our 33rd Season
    • Jazz @ Emmanuel โ€“ Our 32nd Season
    • Jazz @ Emmanuel โ€“ Our 31st Season โ€“ Part 2
    • Jazz at Emmanuel โ€“ Our 31st Season
    • Jazz at Emmanuel โ€“ Our 30th Season
    • Jazz at Emmanuel โ€“ Our 29th Season!
    • Jazz at Emmanuel โ€“ Our 28th Season
  • Latest Posts
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