Boxwell Greats: James Johnson

The very first Reservation Director at Boxwell at Old Hickory was, not surprisingly, the LAST Camp Director at Rock Island, a man by the name of James Johnson.  He went by the nickname “Foxy” in part because of his red fox-like hair.

To be honest, we don’t know lots about Johnson. He was at Rock Island by 1956 and stayed on at the “new” Boxwell through 1965.  Obviously, as the Reservation Director at the new camp, he was responsible for hiring several critical individuals (such as the Schleichers as well as Jimmy Joe Jackson and Chester LeFever) and establishing what would become “Boxwell” for the next several years.

Of course, for younger staff, he was “the boss.”  Generally, all accounts seem to be point to Johnson being strict, but fair.  Every now at then though, a story bubbles up of Johnson hiding in the bushes across from Parnell Waterfront, keeping an eye on his staff.  Perhaps the “foxy” nickname wasn’t about his hair!  No one is really sure.

Johnson is pictured here on the far left.  It is the only photo of Johnson we have.

James “Foxy” Johnson and unknown others.