Jack P. Johnston

JOHNSTON, Jack P. of Richland Jack Porter Johnston was born March 2, 1932, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Louis and Geraldine Porter Johnston. Jack was at home surrounded by his wife and loving family when he went home to be with his Lord, November 1, 2010. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University and had served in the U.S. Army as a Public Information Officer during the Korean War. As a lifetime area resident, Jack owned and operated Johnstons and Associates, Inc. started by his father in 1940. Jack became president in 1965 upon the death of his father and continued on as President until he retired in 1997. Jack was very involved in many business related, community and civic affairs. He especially loved helping children in need through his dedicated service in the Exchange Club, Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Interchange. Jack had a very strong faith and was a longtime member of the Yorkville Community Church. He was a true gentleman who was very humble, hospitable, selfless, always thinking of others. Jack was a living example of the "Fruit of the Spirit" love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. He was an excellent woodworker who enjoyed making furniture; and was an accomplished pen and ink artist and photographer. On February 4, 1984, he was united in marriage to "The Sunshine of My Life" Susanne J. Zahn, who survives. Also surviving are his children from his first marriage to Jane Schoonmaker; Mark Johnston of Kalamazoo, David Cindy Johnston of Kalamazoo, Mary Bob Hildie of Issaquah, WA; step son, Chris Lorie VanWerden of Muskegon; grandchildren, Spencer and Rachel Hildie, Andy Jenna Spears and Jennifer Spears; a great-grandson, Noah Spears; a sister, Jill Dan Christian of Mattawan; parents-in-law, Ed and Pat Zahn of Richland; sisters-in-law, Linda Dale VanGordon of Franklin, TN, Deborah Nadeau of Fort Mill, SC, Margaret Dean Bender of Kalamazoo, Carolyn Marty Buffenbarger of Kalamazoo, Gretchen Steve Maybee of Plainwell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Chandler Gibson. A memorial service to celebrate "Jack's" life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, November 13, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of Richland 8047 Church St., Richland. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday one hour prior to service time and following the service at Yorkville Community Church where a luncheon will be served. Memorials in Jack's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of SW Michigan or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes; please visit www.langelands.com for online guestbook, memories and condolences for the family.