James Henry "Jim" Johnston, age 81, of 297 Riverview Court, Martinsville, died on September 26, 2009 at his residence. He was born in the Mountain Valley area to the late Herman and Rachel Eanes Johnston on November 24, 1927. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his daughter, Kathy Lynn Lane, a brother, Morris Johnston and a sister, Bernice J. Brown.
He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Ridgeway where he was a Trustee, Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon for the church at different times. He was a former member of the Knights of the Pythias, Patrick Henry Lodge #82, Fontaine Ruritan Club and the. He had retired with 20 years service from Lowe's of Martinsville as a truck driver and had won the "Safe Driver Award" for ten years with them.
He is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Verna Hughes Johnston, of the home, two sons, Roger Johnston of Roanoke and Jeffrey Johnston of Rocky Mount, two brothers, Harry Reeves Johnston of Mountain Valley and Charles Johnston of Ridgeway, and one grand daughter, Rebecca Lane of Ridgeway, and one grand son, Haden Johnston of Rocky Mount.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis Wingate and Rev. Rick Poland officiating the service. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. in the Chapel of Roselawn and at other times at the home on 297 Riverview Court, Martinsville.
Memorial donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church, "General Fund", 6400 Greensboro Road, Ridgeway, VA 24148.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.