James Elliott Johnston's Obituary
James Elliott Johnston passed away December 12, 2014 at the Watkins Logan Veterans Home in Tyler, Texas at the age of 92. Jim was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on September 11, 1922, son of Leonard Edward and Erma Elliott Johnston. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944 from Illinois College and Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin in 1947. He married the former Shirley Jean Whitlock on December 26th, 1946, in Jacksonville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 27th, 1994. Jim married the former Evelyn Ruth Fagala on January 18th, 1997 in Lindale, Texas. In addition to Evelyn, Jim is survived by daughter Susan Triptow of Nashville, TN, daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Vincent George of Dallas, TX, and son and daughter-in-law James Randall and Carolyn Johnston of Southlake, TX. Jim had nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jim worked for several Illinois daily newspapers in Jacksonville, Freeport, Rockford (sports editor), and Bloomington (news editor). He retired from the Bloomington Pantagraph in 1982, and moved to Hideaway, TX. the same year. Jim worked part-time as copy editor for the Tyler Morning Telegraph from 1983 through 1986. Jim proudly served his country for three years active duty during World War II as an officer in the U.S. Navy. While on combat duty in the Pacific, Jim participated in the invasions of Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa plus service in Guadalcanal, the Philippines and Japan. Jim remained an active member of the US Naval reserves until 1952 leaving as lieutenant. He loved his time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jim was a passionate golfer who played the links at Hideaway almost daily for many years. Jim had a deep Christian faith and was a long time member of First United Methodist Church in Lindale, TX. He will be buried at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, TX in a private burial ceremony. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238 at Restland Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Watkins Logan Texas Veteran’s Home, Honor Lane, Tyler, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?