James E. Johnston, Sr.

James Earnest Johnston, Sr., age 85, resident of Hatchechubbee, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2021.  Graveside services are scheduled at Hatchechubbee United Methodist Church Cemetery on Saturday, January 9, 2021, 1 p.m. with Reverend Jessie Powell officiating, according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 US Hwy 431N, Phenix City, Alabama.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, masks will be required.

Jimmy, son of the late Rutherford O’Grady Johnston and Grace Chadwick Johnston, was born February 13, 1935 in Phenix City, Alabama.  He was a retired crane operator.  Not only was it a job, but also a strong passion.  Mr. Johnston was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide Football fan.  He enjoyed watching old classic western movies, but always looked forward to spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, where they all knew him as Poppy.  The family remembers him as a generous and humble man, and the “rock” to his family.

Besides his parents, Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Fuller Johnston; his children, Robin Johnston Smith, James Earnest Johnston, Jr., and Patti Johnston Holliday; and a grandson, Glenn Steven Tompkins.

Mr. Johnston is survived by his brother, Jack Johnston; his grandchildren, Jonathan Smith (Kelly), Jamie Talley (Leo Oalmann), Jessica Sanford, Chad Tompkins (Lisa), and Garrett Holliday; his great-grandchildren, Andrew, Caitlyn, Samantha, Blayne, Aeryn, Ashlyn, Jessali, Bo, Hayes, and Evie James; numerous other nieces; nephews; and cousins. Jimmy wanted to give special thanks to his cousin, Dick Johnston, Mr. Ray Williams, Mr. Gary Williams, Mrs. Brenda Pike, Ms. Rebecca Roper, and Mr. Lee Thomas for checking in on him, and to his sweet dog Katie Girl for being his companion for many years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.