James "Jay" G. Johnston

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Johnston and Mary Gaffney Johnston, and his son Michael Gaffney Johnston.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Gidget Johnston, and his cherished sister, Jan White.

He is also survived by his nephew, Brandon Byrd (Monica), and his niece, Catherine Gatheright (Chris), and grandchildren Suzanna Grace (Tag), Caroline Byrd, Lilly Speer, Nora Jane Speer, great niece Hunter Grace, and his granddaughter, Arlyn Johnston.

He is also survived by Gidget’s children, Nicholas Miller and Matthew Miller, and three grandchildren, Audrey Miller, Cheyenne Miller, and Easton Miller.

Jay became a resident of the El Dorado community at the age of five and through the years became known and loved by many in the area. He enjoyed the people and places that made his community special. The Spudnut Shop and Bill’s Pawn Shop were two of his favorite places to frequent, chatting with anyone willing.

Jay loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring. He and Gidget especially enjoyed taking back-road drives with no particular destination, simply seeing where the road would lead. They loved looking for wildlife along the way, discovering unfamiliar places, and wandering through old cemeteries.

Jay also loved taking Gidget to area lakes and out-of-the-way fishing holes in his 1977 Ford Bronco with his Jon boat loaded on top. They spent many days on the water fishing, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories together. These simple adventures and the time they shared were special to both of them.

Jay spent more than 45 years providing the surrounding community with financial advice and helping with several types of insurance needs. He was so appreciative of his clients and would want to thank them all for the trust they placed in him throughout the many years he served them. The relationships he developed through his work meant a great deal to him.

Jay also loved his church family at Marrable Hill Chapel and his former church family at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. His faith and the people he worshipped with were an important part of his life.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of love, service, friendship, and devotion to his family. He gave freely of his advice, his time, and was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed him. The many people whose lives he touched will remember his generosity, sense of adventure, and the love he had for those around him.

Jay will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends in town and afar, church family, former clients, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

We will celebrate Jay's full and colorful life with a visitation from 5-7pm, on October 23, 2026, at Young's Funeral Directors.