Search by Name

Search by Name

James Johnston Obituary

HOT SPRINGS - James William Johnston, 52, Hot Springs, died April 5, 2003, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Burial of cremains will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 11, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. James was born on July 8, 1950, in Sacramento, Calif., to James and Frances (Strautmat) Johnston. James pursued degrees in sociology, psychology and economics at SDU in Vermillion, and BHSC in Spearfish. He graduated from the LPN program in Grants Pass, Ore., and obtained RN from Dakota Wesleyan University School of Nursing in Rapid City. He joined the Army in 1969 and served during the Vietnam era. He also served as an Instructor of Cold Weather Survival in Anchorage, Alaska. He married Debra Walgren in 1977, in Spearfish Canyon. James was a jack-of-all-trades and excelled at all of them. He was honest and loyal to his friends and associates. James was an honorary member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club. He is survived by his wife Debra Johnston; daughter Brianna Johnston; four brothers, Robert Johnston of Cordova, Calif., Charles Johnston of Tupelo, Miss., and Kenny Johnston and Patrick Johnston, both of Sacramento, Calif.; five sisters, Karen Johnston, Pam Winn and Linda Johnston, all of Sacramento, Diana Smotherman of Broken Bow, Okla., and Marge McKay of Olathe, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial has been established in James' memory to benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America. If you wish to send donations, please send them to Fire Base #462, P.O. Box 2922, Rapid City, SD 57709. (605) 348-3416 Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rapid City Journal on Apr. 8, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for James Johnston

Not sure what to say?





Chuck and Christine Jones

April 22, 2003

Dear Deb and Brianna,

We'll always remember James in his Spearfish years. Big garden, big heart. A real stand-up guy. As the years went by, his love for his family and for his fellow man were evident. We went to his gravesite on Easter Sunday. Peaceful springtime day. Rest in Peace, James. And love to you both.

Angie Nelson

April 10, 2003

Our deepest sympathies from my family to yours.

Shary Schaffer

April 8, 2003

Debra and Brianna - You will miss him always, but a part of him will be with you wherever you roam. I consider it one of the better things in my life to have known him.

Dacia Alexander

April 8, 2003

Brianna: Through it all, I still love you and care for you and I wish i could be there to hug you. Although far away, i am here for you and thinking of you. You have always been strong, I know you're a survivor.

Love, Dacia Christine

Donna Behrens

April 8, 2003

May you find comfort and peace knowing that God's gift of Love is all around you at this time of sorrow.

John & Tracy Adams

April 8, 2003

Our sincerest sympathies are with you Deb and Brianna. James will be greatly missed by all.



Our blessings are with you.



John & Tracy Adams

Jason & Sheila Johnson

April 8, 2003

Deb,

Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. You are in our prayers.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in James Johnston's name

Memorial Events
for James Johnston

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Johnston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more