News reports out of Jackson, Miss., say a 56-year-old man was shot and killed Sunday evening while at a Motel 6 off Interstate 55 in Jackson. BassFan has confirmed the victim is James Johnson of Ganado, Texas. Johnson was in Jackson practicing for this week's Bassmaster Central Open at Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Ken Parker, the owner of Boerne Marine in Boerne, Texas, confirmed the news this morning.
"He was not only a good customer, but a dear friend," Parker said. "This is a bad time for us."
According to Jackson TV station WAPT, Jackson police have no suspect or motive in the shooting, but this morning they released a photo of a potential suspect taken from security camera footage. Initial reports indicate Johnson confronted an individual who was allegedly burglarizing his bass boat in the motel parking lot.
Carl Wengenroth, the owner of Angler's Lodge at Lake Amistad in Texas, had known Johnson for 25 years. He first heard of the incident Sunday night from Robin McFarlane, who operates a guide service at Falcon Lake.
"We're all a pretty tight-knit group and have been in the same club together," Wengenroth said. "I started out as a pup in the bass club with (Jimmy) taking care of us kids so to speak. In a lot of ways, the way I fish is because of him because I tried to copy-cat him as successful as he was. He never had a problem giving you advice about anything. It's the way he was – a genuine friend with a heart of gold."
Johnson has fished the Central Opens for the last 4 years and was 11th in points after two events this season.
Wengenroth said he last spoke with Johnson last weekend at the Bass Champs tournament at the Red River.
"We've known each other for so long that it was just normal conversation," he said. You never think anything like this was going to happen.
"He was one of the best friends you'd ever want to have. He'd give you the shirt off his back regardless of the situation he was in. He was always like that. With all the trouble we've all gone through, he's always had a nice word to say. He was a just a genuine good person – one of those people that you sit there and say, 'Why him?'"
Wengenroth said Angler's Lodge has set up an account for donations to be made to assist Johnson's family with funeral expenses. Donations will be accepted at Angler's Lodge or by calling (830) 719-9907.
BassFan will update this post with additional details as they become available.
