Roll Call Tribute

James Lee Johnson
July 18, 1937 - May 6, 2020

The first person to hold the Benz chair is Mr. James L. Johnson, who was personally asked to serve as the director by Mr. Benz. Jim earned his undergraduate degree in floriculture from Michigan State University and later, his master’s degree from Texas A&M.  He brought to the position his experience in retail floristry, memberships and participation in state floral organizations, and his broad knowledge of floral art. He has been a guest designer at symposiums and workshops around the globe, as well as an active presenter at garden club seminars and florist programs. He is a Lecturer Emeritus at Texas A&M where he received the Distinguished Lecturer honor and the Honor Professor Award.  He has been honored by the Texas State Florists Association and received AIFD’s Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 1999. He is the co-author of  the revisions to Flowers: Creative Design, has written five Texas Certified Florist Program programs, and served as the advisor to SAIFD’s Forsythe student chapter at Texas A&M. Mr. Johnson retired from the Benz director position in 2011, but remains active in the program and with the students.

©Benz School of Floral Design

Arrangements are pending and a full obituary will be published soon.

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