James Michael "Big Mike" Johnston

James Michael (“Big Mike”) Johnston entered into eternal rest on 9/16/2020 following a courageous 30 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Barbara Virgets Johnston, and an infant brother, Steven Johnston. He is survived by his Aunt Betty Johnston, brother Stephen Johnston, and sisters Jane Johnston, Diane Reyes, and Barbara Fairgrieve. Also survived by the love of his life, wife of 46 years, Jacklyn Federer Johnston, daughter Kimberly Johnston Majoue (Billy), son Christopher Johnston (Alyce Puderer), precious grandchildren Avery Johnston, Caleb Johnston, Nolan Majoue, Madelyn Majoue, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and godchildren. Born on December 19, 1953, Mike attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School until the family moved to Gentilly Woods where he attended St. Gabriel the Archangel. It was there he met a group of guys who would become lifelong friends and brothers – the Lugnuts. Mike graduated from Jesuit High School, and was awarded a Mayoral Scholarship to Tulane University. Mike became a Federal law enforcement officer with the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service. After 11 years as an agent, he was promoted to Assistant District Director for Investigations, the top enforcement agent of a five-state area. In 2003, he became and served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge until his retirement, with 29 years of service. Mike loved retirement, grateful that he was able to see his grandchildren on a regular basis. Never a paw-paw, they called him Big Mike. He loved music, attending Jazz Fest, and hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. He loved having a cocktail or two, especially at Vic’s Kangaroo, Sportsbeat on Thursday Greenbacker nights, and the Bay Café, where many knew him as Tulane Mike. Mike’s great passion was Tulane Athletics. That fire was ignited as a child when his father, the 1952 Tulane football team captain, took him to games at old Tulane Stadium. He was a season ticket holder in five sports. In 1980, he joined the Tulane Greenbackers, where he found another group of lifelong friends and brothers. Mike tried to bring a smile or get a laugh from everyone he met. He was determined to fight his disease with a positive attitude and accept what God had put on his plate. He was always grateful for his family and friend prayer warriors who served as a constant source of strength and inspiration. The family would like to thank his oncologist, Dr. Melanie Sheen and her dedicated staff for their loving care during his illness. A Memorial Mass will be said on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church & Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, La. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with eulogies starting at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Tulane Green Wave Club. “Life, well lived, is long enough.” The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com