James Hardy (Jamie) Johnson, Jr. was born August 17, 1964 in Lumberton, NC. He attended Montreat-Anderson College from 1982 to 1984 where he played basketball. He was selected to the NJCAA Region X Second-Team All-Stars in 1984. His final year at Montreat-Anderson he averaged 17.5 points and 11 rebounds per game. He was the Cavaliers' Most Valuable Player and was awarded the Montreat-Anderson "Male Athlete of the Year".
He was selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association Men's Academic First-Team All American with a 3.78 GPA. Upon graduation, Jamie received the Scholarship Pin award, the Scholarship Certificate, and the Faculty Service Award.
 
Jamie went on to Gardner-Webb College to complete his studies and play for the Bulldogs. He was honored in Who's Who Among College Students and served as President of the Religious Education Club. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Religious Education with a minor in Church Recreation.