James E. Johnston

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” — Psalm 23:6 On Sunday, February 24, 2013, James Eugene Johnston peacefully and victoriously transitioned from labor to heavenly reward. James was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina on August 27, 1924. He was the oldest of four children born to Moses and Hattie Alston Johnston. His father died when James was five years of age. Subsequently, his grandparents, Plummer and Susie Alston, assisted in raising the children: James, Edward, Moses “McKinley” and Elinora. At age thirteen, James was baptized at Springfield Baptist Church in Littleton, North Carolina. Upon graduating from McIver High School, he served two years in the U.S. Army and six years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He attended trade school following his military service. James moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1950 and obtained employment as an Information Specialist with the U.S. Bureau of Navy Personnel for thirty years. Being skilled in many areas, James also utilized his talents in various parttime positions. His true passion, however, was his home improvement business through which he established lasting friendships with many people throughout the years. His work and reputation enabled him to renovate many homes in the Baltimore area. He also worked as security personnel at the Arena Players Theater for a number of years. James always possessed qualities of a leader. He was involved in various school, civic and church organizations. When his daughters, Dorothy and Evelyn were young, James served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School. Being civic-minded, he was among the thousands of attendees who participated in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington. His dynamic leadership qualities led him to be selected as vice-president, then president of the senior citizen complexes where he lived. James joined Pleasant Rock Baptist Church in 1990 and became a faithful and active member. He was appointed Chairman of the Trustee Ministry, and was ordained as Deacon one year later. Without question, Deacon Johnston loved his Pastor, First Lady and church family. Deacon Johnston continued to grow spiritually while faithfully serving the Lord. Deacon Johnston’s engaging personality and wonderful sense of humor endeared him to others. He was a great conversationalist and kept current in sports and politics by reading the newspaper every day. He enjoyed scrapbooking and maintained a collection of newspaper clippings with history-making events. He was an avid baseball fan, who enjoyed going to ball games with family and friends. Deacon Johnston enjoyed being around people and he considered everyone his family. He was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — bragging about them to anyone who would listen. A strong willed and determined man, Deacon Johnston held on to his independence as long as possible. Although illness prevented him from attending church on Sunday, February 24th, Pleasant Rock Baptist Church honored him as the oldest church member. Later that day, God called His good and faithful servant home to eternal rest. Deacon Johnston leaves to cherish his love and memory: two daughters, Dorothy (George) Savage and Evelyn (Adrian) Wilson; four grandchildren, George (Renee) Savage, Ericka (Marvin) Harris, Dr. Adrian Wilson and Arianne Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Tierra, Erick, Selena and Cameron; two sisters, Queen Williams of Totowa, NJ and Viola Bert of Jamaica, NY; one brother, Orange Williams of Brooklyn, NY; devoted friend, Constance Moore; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

James E. Johnston

August 27, 1924 - February 24, 2013