Meet James D Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with James D Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi James D, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic really comes from my parents. My father was in the Navy and grew up during the Depression, so showing up wasn’t optional. It was just what you did. He never called in sick and never missed work unless he was literally in the hospital. He always used to say, if there’s an opportunity to make money, why would I say no? That mindset stuck with me. When I was old enough I joined the Army to somewhat follow in his footsteps.
My mother was a homemaker while I was growing up, but honestly, she worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known. She’s like the Energizer Bunny, always moving, always doing something for others. She’s 88 now, and even after suffering a stroke a few months ago, she’s still pushing herself to get back to her regular routine. Watching both of them taught me the value of perseverance, responsibility, and taking pride in your work, lessons I carry with me every day.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Here is a recent bio that was written for me.

James D. Johnson – Actor | Producer | Veteran | Storyteller
First and foremost, James D. Johnson gives thanks to the Lord, because without Him, none of this would have been possible. A devoted husband to his wife Wendy for 37 years, and proud father of 3 and grandfather of 7, James credits his faith and family as the foundation for everything he’s accomplished in life.
Inspired early on by his parents, Clifford and Shirley Johnson, and their example of hard work, perseverance, and faith, James discovered his creative spark at age 14 when his mother bought the family’s first video camera. From that moment on, storytelling became part of who he was, filming homemade interviews, music videos, and skits long before he ever stepped onto a professional set.
A U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served in Desert Storm, James’ journey has taken him from national BMX championships to entrepreneurship, co-authoring the book “ How Did You Get Started, television production, and ultimately, the film industry. His path has been anything but ordinary, one fueled by courage, prayer, and a deep belief that every experience shapes the story God is writing for our lives.
As an accomplished actor with over two decades in the entertainment industry, James has appeared in a wide range of film and television productions, including The movies God’s Not Dead 5, 2024, A Line of Fire 2024, Straight Shot 2025, Above the Break 2025 and The Best Thing About Christmas 2025. His TV credits include County Rescue, Snapped, American Detective, Fatal Attraction, and Homicide Hunter. Known for his authenticity and on-screen presence, James brings integrity, heart, and real-world depth to every role.
Beyond acting, James has worked as a producer, stunt performer, and talk show host, appearing in over 200 episodes of regional programs such as Smoky Mountain Neighborhood, Mountain Fun Life, and Live from Market Square. He also co-founded www.Clicktolookinside.com, a faith-based nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping people find healing and freedom through sharing their life stories.
Today, James continues to balance his creative work in film and television with entrepreneurship and ministry. He and Wendy also co-host on Facebook Living Life RV Style, a lifestyle series celebrating travel, community, and the beauty of everyday connections.
Rooted in faith, driven by purpose, and inspired by people, James D. Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your calling and that when you walk in faith, the best scenes are still to come.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I tell people that want to get in to this industry that you have to be the person that is remembered on set. Start by getting enveloped with local film groups. Look for a film festival in your area, search out talent agencies and casting calls. Be a giver and helper first and foremost. Treat everyone with great respect, from the person sweeping the floors to the executive producers. You never know they might be the same person. Be a doer not a complainer. If you can, be the one of the first to arrive, and one of the last to leave set. It’s hard, hard work. long, long hours. Do it because it gives you joy, if you do that you will love it.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

Good question. I believe in being well rounded. Leaning into your strengths is important, they’re usually what open doors for you, but if you only rely on them, you limit your growth. Life and this industry constantly put you in situations where you’re asked to stretch, adapt, and learn new skills. Investing effort into areas you’re not as strong in builds resilience and perspective. It makes you more dependable, more versatile, and better prepared when things don’t go exactly as planned. I’ve found that improving weaker areas doesn’t take away from your strengths, it actually strengthens them by giving you a broader foundation to work from. As far as sharing a story, I have many from this one problem I think we all have issues with. Sometimes we don’t feel like getting out there. One thing is for sure, you have to show up to go up!!! The times I really didn’t feel like going to a function was when I met the most impactful people in my life. My story would be a lot different today if I would have stayed home. So get out there.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Christopher Frith aka Intempest “Cowboy with Big Gun”

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and

Highlighter Series
Who taught you the most about work?

Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger