Jimmy Edward Johnston, 81, of East Ridge, Tennessee, passed away on March 14, 2026. Born on May 23, 1944, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Sam and Nola Johnston, Jimmy graduated from Kirkman Technical High School, where he played football. He retired from Colonial Bakery in 1994 after thirty years of service and was a longtime member of Silverdale Baptist Church.
Jimmy had a lifelong passion for Fords, classic cars, and car shows. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. A gifted florist and carpenter, he took pride in his ability to build and create with his hands. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randall Johnston. Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Donna Sue Johnston; his children, Larry (Evelyn) Johnston, Jeff (Tess) Johnston, Jennifer (Kevin) Zeigler, and Aaron (Chasity) Johnston; and his sisters, Linda Ingle and Patsy Hickman. He was the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren—Lauren (Jake) Burnette, Justin (Alyse) Johnston, Megan (Hunter) Lewis, Taylor (Hannah) Johnston, Konnor Zeigler, Annie Zeigler, Jesse Zeigler, Dylon Stevison, Tyler Stevison, Mack Stevison, Riley Johnston, and Ryan Johnston—and was blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Michael Keown, along with many other loving extended family members and friends.
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