James R. Johnston

James Rhesa Johnston, fondly known by all as J. R., stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 11, 2017. J. R.’s life was a reflection of sacrifice and service. If you talked to him for very long at all, you knew that Jesus, Teresa, and his military service to his country were his treasures. He and Teresa served the Lord with their time and service with giving hearts. J. R.’s hobbies were singing, travelling, and golfing. He grew up as a Baptist preacher’s son so his first quartet was with his siblings as children singing at church. As an adult, he continued singing in their church choirs, Huntsville Senior Adult Choir and the Huntsville Men’s Choir. He and Teresa loved to travel and did so extensively throughout the U.S, Canada, and abroad. Golfing at Elkins Lake was a highlight of his retirement. J. R. earned the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice in World War II as his infantry, the “Blood Buckets” stormed the beaches of Normandy as the 28th Army Division. After returning from the war, J. R. returned to Mississippi to attend Mississippi College. J. R. and Teresa met on the steps at Mississippi College and it was “love at first sight!” After marriage and graduation, they stayed in Jackson, MS for awhile and then decided to go to Houston for more job opportunities. He applied and was hired at Houston Lighting and Power, now CenterPoint Energy, where he worked for over 30 years, and retired as the Chief Financial Officer. J. R. was born on May 25, 1923 to Albert Sidney and Maude S. Johnston in Mount Olive, Mississippi. He was the youngest of four children. J. R. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 69 years, Teresa, and two siblings, Elizabeth Johnston and Albert Sidney Johnston, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Loraine Johnston Padelford of Pearl, MS; sister-in-law JoAnn Smith of Littleton, NC; nephews Marc Padelford of Pearl, MS; Walton Padelford of Jackson, TN; Keith Barfield of Katy, TX; niece Jo Smith Read of Bracey, VA; and numerous friends. The service to celebrate J. R.’s life is Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Bugh officiating. Visitation is 2:00pm, funeral at 2:30pm and interment with military honor will follow at Brooke Cemetery in Huntsville, TX. Pallbearers are Bill Hyman, Clyde Loll, Thomas Leeper, Eric Thomas, David Ward, and Wayne Barrett. Honorary pallbearers are Norman Ward, Carrol Williams, Dr. Jack Staggs, Bobby Cooper, and Jack Heintschel. J. R. believed in education and service to our great country so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum, 453 State Hwy 75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320, memo: J. R. Johnston Memoriam, to continue the legacy of our country’s history in the minds of all that visit. Many thanks to all that prayed, visited, and cared for us; and a very special thank you to these ladies that gave 24-hour care for J R for the last 3 days of returning back to Carriage Inn on hospice. We are very grateful for these Residence Aides--Angie, Anita, Allie, Carolyn, Haley, Janiece, Shardae, Tammy, and Tannequia as several worked double shifts and came in on their days’ off for J R. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

James R. Johnston

May 25, 1923 - September 11, 2017