Funeral services for Mr. John “J.D.” Dempsey Johnson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bay Springs Baptist Church, Chopin, with Reverend Michael Dubois officiating. Interment will follow in Bay Springs Cemetery, Chopin, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Mr. Johnson, 79, of Chopin, entered eternal rest on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Natchitoches, LA.
J.D. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family and took pride in providing for those he loved. He proudly served his community as an honorary member of the Sheriff’s Posse in 1979, during the tenure of Sheriff Norman Fletcher, and as a volunteer firefighter for Cloutierville and Gorum. He was also trained to establish landing zones for air medical helicopters, helping ensure that those in need could receive emergency care.
J.D. was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to his family, his work, and his community. He and his father owned and operated a chicken business. Throughout his career, he worked for a trucking company, operated a skidder for International Paper Company, and eventually retired from Roy O’ Martin as a forklift driver.
J.D. will be remembered for his love for his family, his strong work ethic, and his willingness to serve others. His legacy of love, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty years, Virgie Lynn Johnson; his parents, Thomas and Wanda Johnson; and one sister, Wanda Diane Johnson.
Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include one daughter, Veronica Johnson of Chopin; one brother, Alvie Dewain Johnson; four grandchildren, Katherine LeBlanc, Brooklyn LeBlanc, Ember LeBlanc, and Autumn LeBlanc; one great grandson, Khaza LeBlanc-Smith; two godchildren, Zachary Simon and Kenda Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation will be held at Bay Springs Baptist Church, Chopin, on Friday, October 16, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m. and will remain open until time of service on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Veronica Johnson, Brooklyn LeBlanc, Autumn LeBlanc, Lee Cavazos, and Tim Basco. Honorary pallbearers will be Katherine LeBlanc, Ember LeBlanc, and Khaza LeBlanc-Smith.