James Wayne Johnston

Born in Cuthbert, GA to Robert and Emmie Johnston, Jim was fiercely passionate about God, his family and his country. After he graduated from Riverview High School, Jim joined the Air Force, where he served our country. Following the Air Force, he became a member of the Sarasota City Fire Department (1967-1970) and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (1974-1979) during which time he participated in the first Sarasota County SWAT team and advanced SWAT training at Camp Blanding, FL where he served our community. He was employed for many years with Morris Oil Company, Haps Motorcycle, and Action Kawasaki.

Jim was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father, grandfather and devoted husband. His faith, knowledge, and guidance was the foundation of how he served God and his family.

He is survived by his loving wife Marcia of 34 years.

Five children - four daughters and one son.

Paula McCabe (Dennis), Jennifer “Ginger” Swanson both of Florida, Dennis McIntee (Lisa) of South Carolina, Lisa Regan (Mike) of Alabama, Jennifer Carpenter (Rob) of Indiana, 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter arriving in October.

Brother Charles Johnston (Peggy) of Sarasota, sister Shirley Richardson (Alan) of North Carolina, brother-in-law Richard Sitko of Michigan, several nieces, nephews and cousins, life-long friend Bob Brongel (Sue) of Sarasota and all of his many dear friends.

Services will be held Saturday, June 4th at 2:00 pm at Hope International Ministries, 5425 39th Street East in Bradenton. At a later date, a private service involving Honor Guard members from the Sheriff, Air Force and Fire Departments will take place at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude Research Hospital and Tidewell Hospice.

Also, the family would like to thank Tidewell Hospice and Manatee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room for their support.