James Johnston III

James Matthew Johnston III entered the kingdom of heaven on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2020, after a five year battle with a lung disease. He passed peacefully while surrounded by his family: His daughter Shareece, son Jay, son-in-law Dean, daughter-in-law Candace, grandson Chad and his wife Baylie, grandson Jyles and his wife Randi, and his sister-in-law Mary Ann Burley. Jim is survived by his sister Sue Wells, and niece Becky Hewett of North Carolina. Jim was born on May 26th, 1941 in Dunn, NC, to James Johnston Jr., and Frankie (Wood) Johnston. He grew up in the small town of Wallace, NC, and attended Wallace Rose Hill HS, where he played football and graduated in 1959. He enjoyed spending his time in Carolina Beach on the boardwalk dancing the “Shag” and Jitterbug, and driving fancy cars. He enlisted in the Air Force, and served from 1962-1966, and was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ where he met the love of his life Gloria. They were married on June 7th, 1964 in North Carolina. They relocated to Jacksonville, FL where their daughter Shareece was born in 1968. They headed back to the desert, and bought a house in 1969, where they lived for 54 years. Their son James Matthew IV (Jay) was born in 1971. He retired from JC Penney’s after 33 years, and bought their cabin in Munds Park, AZ. In 1997. That was their summer sanctuary, where they made many special friends and shared many memories with them and family. Jimmy left his legacy in Munds Park with the countless decks and room additions and paint jobs that he did….he was quite the handyman that everyone wanted to hire. He and Gloria won many dance competitions and had so many fun parties and Sock Hops. Jim was a hardworking, honest, faithful, patient, content, and simple man. He was a loving husband, wonderful father, steadfast friend, and a strong spiritual leader. He will be truly missed, but we are at peace knowing that he has received his crown in heaven, is reunited with the love of his life Gloria, and is made whole and healthy again! Praise the Lord! Please feel free to share a memory on this site so the family can reminisce with you. There will be a Celebration of Life to be determined at a later date.