James H. "Jim" Johnston
February 25, 1939 — January 11, 2025
James H. "Jim" Johnston, 85, of Greenbrier, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Jim was born in Springhill, Arkansas to Jesse Roy Johnston and Emma Purifoy Johnston, on February 25, 1939.
Jim was an incredible man who left a huge impact on all who knew him. He was a man of faith, a source of strength, and a godly example, showing unwavering devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather. Jim's life of service, faith, and leadership leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of those closest to him.
Jim dedicated 54 years to lovingly caring for his daughter Chrissy, enjoying car rides and milkshakes together. His devotion and dedication to Chrissy exemplified his goldy character and never ending love for his family.
He was a self-taught building designer for 55 years, using his God-given talents drawing thousands of house plans over the years.
Being an avid sports enthusiast, Jim enjoyed cheering for the Greenbrier Panthers, Arkansas Razorbacks, and any and every team his grandkids and great-grandkids played for, making him their biggest fan. He loved drinking a coke, indulging in sweets, and making his famous chocolate and peanut butter fudge for everyone at Christmas. These simple pleasures added to his one of a kind personality and charm.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ann McGaha Johnston; daughter, Sonya “Chrissy”; son, Cliff (Sharmon); stepson, Jon Barnard; brothers, Charles, Buddy, and Richard Johnston; sisters, Sarah Groh, Jean Garrett, Betty McDaniel and Juanita Coney.
Jim is survived by his wife, Edna Ruth Johnston; children, Debi Ethridge, Cheryl Linn, Craig (Shawn) Johnston; stepchildren, Christi Barnard, Sammy (Ginger) Patton and Rodney (Lori) Patton; brother, Lindy (Karen) Johnston; and sister-in-law, Nina Johnston. Grandchildren, Jaime (Jason) Hamerlinck, Cody Ethridge, Jase Johnston, Julie (Nick) Wallace, Tori Martin, Kyle DeShazo, Jayla (Ryan) Lessig, Clay (Meagan) Johnston, and Sarah (Josh) Hardin, along with thirteen step - grandchildren; thirty – three great- grandchildren; and three great- great- grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home.
Funeral will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at LifeSong Baptist Church with burial following to Oakland Cemetery in Holland.
Pallbearers are Cody Ethridge, Jase Johnston, Clay Johnston, Nick Wallace, Kyle DeShazo, Josh Hardin, Ryan Lessig, and Jason Hamerlinck.
Honorary pallbearers are his great grandchildren.
Jim was an incredible man who left a huge impact on all who knew him. He was a man of faith, a source of strength, and a godly example, showing unwavering devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather. Jim's life of service, faith, and leadership leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of those closest to him.
Jim dedicated 54 years to lovingly caring for his daughter Chrissy, enjoying car rides and milkshakes together. His devotion and dedication to Chrissy exemplified his goldy character and never ending love for his family.
He was a self-taught building designer for 55 years, using his God-given talents drawing thousands of house plans over the years.
Being an avid sports enthusiast, Jim enjoyed cheering for the Greenbrier Panthers, Arkansas Razorbacks, and any and every team his grandkids and great-grandkids played for, making him their biggest fan. He loved drinking a coke, indulging in sweets, and making his famous chocolate and peanut butter fudge for everyone at Christmas. These simple pleasures added to his one of a kind personality and charm.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ann McGaha Johnston; daughter, Sonya “Chrissy”; son, Cliff (Sharmon); stepson, Jon Barnard; brothers, Charles, Buddy, and Richard Johnston; sisters, Sarah Groh, Jean Garrett, Betty McDaniel and Juanita Coney.
Jim is survived by his wife, Edna Ruth Johnston; children, Debi Ethridge, Cheryl Linn, Craig (Shawn) Johnston; stepchildren, Christi Barnard, Sammy (Ginger) Patton and Rodney (Lori) Patton; brother, Lindy (Karen) Johnston; and sister-in-law, Nina Johnston. Grandchildren, Jaime (Jason) Hamerlinck, Cody Ethridge, Jase Johnston, Julie (Nick) Wallace, Tori Martin, Kyle DeShazo, Jayla (Ryan) Lessig, Clay (Meagan) Johnston, and Sarah (Josh) Hardin, along with thirteen step - grandchildren; thirty – three great- grandchildren; and three great- great- grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home.
Funeral will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at LifeSong Baptist Church with burial following to Oakland Cemetery in Holland.
Pallbearers are Cody Ethridge, Jase Johnston, Clay Johnston, Nick Wallace, Kyle DeShazo, Josh Hardin, Ryan Lessig, and Jason Hamerlinck.
Honorary pallbearers are his great grandchildren.
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