Emanuel William Johnson, Jr. was born on August 4, 1947, in Beaumont, Texas to Victorian and Emanuel Johnson, Sr. Emanuel resided in Beaumont before moving to Houston, where he completed his education at Kashmere High School. After graduating high school Emanuel became a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. He fought in the Vietnam War.  During the 1970's Emanuel adopted his new name and became known as Mumbaji JaJa Pande which means "Creative-Gift of God-Love."

Mumbaji accepted the Lord and Savior at an early age and later became a member of South Park Baptist Church in 1974.  He always said he had two birthdays; the day he was physically born 73 years ago in 1947 and the day when he became clean, sober and re-dedicated his life to Christ 46 years ago 1975.  He remained a member of South Park Baptist until his death.

For many years Mumbaji worked for Napco and upon retiring from Napco he became the Athletic Director for South Park Baptist Church. He was very active in the community. He was a mentor and a coach for many young men and women.  For many years Mumbaji served as a coach for the Houston Oilers and the Houston Gunners little league football teams. Mumbaji also shared his love for basketball with all and assisted many with advancing their techniques and skills.

On December 16, 2006, Mumbaji married the love of his life, Sherri Arnold Johnson. The love that Mumbaji had for Sherri was undeniable and she was definitely the "ying to his yang."  Mumbaji was an avid Cowboys fan and kango hat lover. His contagious laughter, genuine smile and warm embrace will be missed by all.

Mumbaji was preceded in death by his parents Emanuel and Victorian Johnson. His siblings, Darnell, Lionel, Ezolia, Jeffery, Gerrol, Barbara, Lynda, Alfreda, and Ronald.  To cherish his memories Mumbaji leaves his wife, Sherri; his daughters Angela ("Tumu") and Telly; his sons Paul, David, James, Adrian; 16 grandchildren - Shuntavia, Shaqerea, Joshua, Brian Polk Jr., Bryan, DeMontara, Kobe, Jaylon, Trevion, Christian, Jarrell, Jade, James, Julia, Jacob, and Aaliyah; 13 great grandchildren - Za'Ryah, Za'lyiah, Railya, Jeremiah, Rakim, Dezmond, Rylan, Radien, Dylan, Miracle, Kaycen, Reign, and Kyree; 14 godchildren - Latoya, Anthony, Dominique, Hannah, Kemi, Naomi, Madison, Morgan, Cassidy, Rajon, Ny'Lyn, Legacy, Jaylen and Kobe; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; many, many, many friends; and 2 loving family matriarchs - his aunts, Dorothy Glynn and Eura Johnson.