J.W. Johns, Jr. began recreational baseball for the youth of Ashland City as chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He organized the Dixie Youth Program and Dixie Boys Program, served as state director for Dixie Boys, vice president over the Southeast Region of eleven states for the Dixie Boys and Majors Program, and tournament director for the Pre-Majors. He became postmaster on February 20, 1971, and served until his death on March 21, 1984, at age 57, and he was Ashland City's first city postal carrier. Born in Holtland in Marshall County, he married Ruby Wolaver in Lewisburg, moved to Ashland City in 1957, and had two children, Teresa and Steve. He was remembered as a dedicated public servant, volunteer, friend, coach, father, and founder of recreational baseball in Ashland City, and he was a member of Mount Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Bellsburg Community and a Mason.