Obituary for James Edward Johnston
Funeral services for James Johnston, 71, of Palestine, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home with services led by Bro. Justin Palmer Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
After a lengthy battle with COPD James Edward Johnston passed away peacefully March 3, 2021 at home surrounded by his family and friends.
James Johnston was born October 22, 1949 in Anderson County to William Morris and Bertie Lou Johnston. James was married for 49 years to the love of his life, Wanda Harris Johnston. James was the pastor at Midway Baptist Church in Brushy Creek for the last 20 years. He served in the US Marine Corp from 1969-1971 and in the Vietnam war. James retired from LaPoynor ISD after 26 years as the maintenance and transportation director. He owned his own business, Johnston Heat and Refrigeration for over 15 years. James was a hardworking man who served Jesus all his life, while he accomplished many things, his greatest accomplishment was the many people he led to Jesus throughout his life. James’ education included attending LaPoynor High School, receiving a military GED, followed by an Associates degree from TVCC. He then went on to further his education through extension classes at Texas A&M University.
James loved coon hunting, fishing, playing with his dogs, spending time with his grandchildren and traveling the country with his family. On his trips, his favorite thing to do was finding pawnshops and delicious places to eat along the way. He was an avid coin, knife and firearms collector. James played an instrumental part in his youngest son’s business, Back 40 Firearms, in Athens and loved researching older model firearms.
James is preceded in death by his parents; sister Anabelle Johnston; brothers both Tom and Bob Johnston; nephew Bubba Johnston; and four brother-in-laws Marvin Hall, Nute Eaton, Truman Perkins, and Ronny Harris; and his most cherished side-kick Freeway.
Survivors include wife, Wanda Johnston; Sons Ryan Johnston and Ben Johnston and Wife Michelle; Daughter Ashley Tiner and Husband Larry; brothers and sisters; Mary Hall, Francis Eaton, Glenda Ballard and husband Jimmy, Betti Reid, Billy Johnston and wife Brenda Ann, Brenda Sue Richardson and husband Steve, Dave Johnston and wife Karen, and Barney Johnston and wife Dionne; Sister-in-laws Pat Johnston, Gaylnn Johnston Wilbanks and husband Randy, Jeline Perkins, Linda Harris, and Joy Green; Brother-in-law Jerry Harris and wife Georgia; Grandchildren Whitney Johnston McClure & husband Kurt, MaKayla Owens and Husband Ethan, Samantha Tiner, MaKenzie Skiles, Tatum Johnston, Jaxon Johnston, and Darryl James Johnston (DJ); Great-Grandsons Lyle and Winston Owens; as well as a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends whom he loved.
Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Palmer, Jeff Grubbs, Jason Fortner, Kris Johnston, Luke Richardson, and Edward Palmer.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Richardson, Randy Wilbanks, David Stewart, Ronnie Hambrick, Tommy Hilton and Jon Ray Hilton.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the team at Harbor Hospice and especially his precious nurse, Cemoe.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to to Midway Baptist Church, The Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice. Midway Baptist Church 629 ACR 481, Palestine, Texas 75803.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.
After a lengthy battle with COPD James Edward Johnston passed away peacefully March 3, 2021 at home surrounded by his family and friends.
James Johnston was born October 22, 1949 in Anderson County to William Morris and Bertie Lou Johnston. James was married for 49 years to the love of his life, Wanda Harris Johnston. James was the pastor at Midway Baptist Church in Brushy Creek for the last 20 years. He served in the US Marine Corp from 1969-1971 and in the Vietnam war. James retired from LaPoynor ISD after 26 years as the maintenance and transportation director. He owned his own business, Johnston Heat and Refrigeration for over 15 years. James was a hardworking man who served Jesus all his life, while he accomplished many things, his greatest accomplishment was the many people he led to Jesus throughout his life. James’ education included attending LaPoynor High School, receiving a military GED, followed by an Associates degree from TVCC. He then went on to further his education through extension classes at Texas A&M University.
James loved coon hunting, fishing, playing with his dogs, spending time with his grandchildren and traveling the country with his family. On his trips, his favorite thing to do was finding pawnshops and delicious places to eat along the way. He was an avid coin, knife and firearms collector. James played an instrumental part in his youngest son’s business, Back 40 Firearms, in Athens and loved researching older model firearms.
James is preceded in death by his parents; sister Anabelle Johnston; brothers both Tom and Bob Johnston; nephew Bubba Johnston; and four brother-in-laws Marvin Hall, Nute Eaton, Truman Perkins, and Ronny Harris; and his most cherished side-kick Freeway.
Survivors include wife, Wanda Johnston; Sons Ryan Johnston and Ben Johnston and Wife Michelle; Daughter Ashley Tiner and Husband Larry; brothers and sisters; Mary Hall, Francis Eaton, Glenda Ballard and husband Jimmy, Betti Reid, Billy Johnston and wife Brenda Ann, Brenda Sue Richardson and husband Steve, Dave Johnston and wife Karen, and Barney Johnston and wife Dionne; Sister-in-laws Pat Johnston, Gaylnn Johnston Wilbanks and husband Randy, Jeline Perkins, Linda Harris, and Joy Green; Brother-in-law Jerry Harris and wife Georgia; Grandchildren Whitney Johnston McClure & husband Kurt, MaKayla Owens and Husband Ethan, Samantha Tiner, MaKenzie Skiles, Tatum Johnston, Jaxon Johnston, and Darryl James Johnston (DJ); Great-Grandsons Lyle and Winston Owens; as well as a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends whom he loved.
Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Palmer, Jeff Grubbs, Jason Fortner, Kris Johnston, Luke Richardson, and Edward Palmer.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Richardson, Randy Wilbanks, David Stewart, Ronnie Hambrick, Tommy Hilton and Jon Ray Hilton.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the team at Harbor Hospice and especially his precious nurse, Cemoe.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to to Midway Baptist Church, The Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice. Midway Baptist Church 629 ACR 481, Palestine, Texas 75803.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.