The memory of James "Jimmy" Johnson will be honored Thursday after the first round of a bass-fishing tournament at Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson, Mississippi.
The pro angler from Ganado, Texas, was killed Sunday in a Motel 6 parking lot, and police have arrested a teenager who has been charged in connection with the killing.
Johnson, 56, had arrived early in Mississippi to pre-fish before the start of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open.
His family told WAPT News that he was not comfortable at the motel and had gone out to check on his boat, and spotted a person burglarizing the vessel.
Johnson was shot in the face and police were able too locate the suspect after reviewing surveillance video.
WAPT News, quoting police, reports that Shun Brown, 17, has "confessed to being responsible for the death" of Johnson.
Johnson, who competes on a Bassmaster (B.A.S.S) regional circuit, was not a prominent angler on the elite tour, and the incident underscores the reality that the life of a pro bass angler isn't always glamorous–and that it's sometimes dangerous.
Only top anglers enjoy major sponsorship deals and can afford to travel comfortably. Most of those on lower-tier circuits pay for their own travel and stay in either cheap motels or motorhomes they use to tow their boats.
However, while petty crime and vandalism are common concerns at some venues, the possibility of being murdered is not something that is even considered.
Chris Bowes, manager for the Bassmaster Central Open, told WAPT News: "We've certainly had experiences at various locations as we travel across the country and you know… things of that nature. But not anything of the magnitude … which we've been hit with so hard."
The bass-fishing community is very tight-knit and, according to Bassmaster, "is reacting with an overwhelming show of grief and support."
Said Tim Cook, Texas B.A.S.S Nation Conservation Director: "Bass fishing is a big part of life here and one of those was taken from us. Jimmy was a big part of our community. We've been overwhelmed with support and want to do what's best for his family."
An online memorial fund has beet set up through Anglers For Access. Donations will be delivered to Johnson's wife, Mona, to help cover funeral expenses and other family needs. A Jimmy Johnson memorial bass-fishing tournament will be held in Texas in early December.
–Pete Thomas, via GrindTv
–James "Jimmy" Johnson image is courtesy of Bassmaster
Jimmy will be sorely missed. Had Jimmy been armed he would more than likely been alive. These idiots go around armed and good people are defenseless. That's just the facts.
Posted by: Mong | Nov 10, 2013 at 05:47 AM
RIP Mr James Jimmy Johnson
Shaun you are WORTHLESS
If you folks want to reduce these spontaneous crimes then:
Support your Governor and Legislators by actively Open Carrying. They supported you with this modification to the Law. Get out ther and be Visible and let the bad folks know. We are ARMED, We will have a civil society and be safe in our daily routines or We will fight for that. Fight for Jame Jimmy by Open Carrying in a safe disciplined manner!
Peace out the TIGER
Posted by: xZenTiger | Oct 18, 2013 at 05:59 AM
RIP Jimmy you will be missed.
Posted by: Ralph Celedon | Oct 17, 2013 at 07:45 AM