Jack Creighton Johnston

January 6, 1947 - November 5, 2025

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

Born in Everett, WA to Jack H. and Helen E. Johnston, Jack was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. A man of deep faith and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Jack had a strong sense of duty to his family and his country. He was a humble man, honorable and trustworthy with a kind and respectful character to all who knew him.

His boyhood was filled with baseball games, bicycle riding, church activities; large extended family gatherings with many relatives in Stanwood-- home to his immigrant Norwegian Grandfather’s farm-- and summers spent at his family’s Warm Beach cabin. Growing up he learned about hard work on the dairy farm, in the fields and in the pea processing cannery in Stanwood.

Jack graduated from Everett High School in 1965 and Washington State University in 1970 with a BA in PE and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His athletic abilities led to his lettering in swimming in both high school and college. A longtime member of the Everett Golf & Country Club, Jack’s favorite sport was playing and competing in golf.

It was Jack’s combat experience as a First Lieutenant commanding UH-1H Helicopters in the Vietnam War that left its indelible mark on his life: his purpose in Christ; his personality and his politics. Jack expressed that after being in the war and facing the enemy, he would never view life the same. He firmly believed that only by the grace of God did he survive to come home safely to his family. He was proud of his flying accomplishments and service to his country. For his valor, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, the South Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Gold Star and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement. He held a lifetime membership in the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

Following the war Jack began working as a truck driver at Johnston Petroleum in 1973 with his dad and brother. His military experiences developed his leadership, courage and fearlessness that drove his entrepreneurial spirit. Building on the core heating oil business his dad started, Jack became a successful well respected small businessman/entrepreneur in the greater Everett community: building, owning and operating several gas stations/convenience stores as well as other business ventures lasting over 30 years.

In the fall of 1973, Jack met his beloved wife, Mary McCaffree. Happily, they celebrated 50 years together on June 15, 2025. They made their home in Everett and over the years enjoyed hosting gatherings of friends and family. As a father, Jack was strong, selfless and compassionate in raising and guiding his children. He spent many summers and weekends traveling for swim meets with the kids and would find joy in celebrating their accomplishments. He cherished the times spent with his granddaughters especially teaching them how to make Norwegian lefse and krumkake. He loved to teach and talk about his family history, his Norwegian heritage, his Viking ancestors, how to be successful in life and business, and to share the love of Jesus in the Gospel.

For the past 36 years, Jack and Mary have been faithful and active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Everett, WA. Jack co-chaired the construction of the new education wing added to the church building. In retirement, he enjoyed coaching the cross-country team at Zion Lutheran School in Snohomish. He loved studying the scriptures, theology, sound Christian doctrine, and learning apologetics. He desired and prayed for his friends and family, his children, and grandchildren to know the LORD and by grace through faith trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Jack died in the morning hours of November 5, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. It seemed appropriate for the angels to carry him to heaven at that time of day as he always loved the early morning flights in his helicopters. He is finally at peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ praising God and waiting with all the saints for that great resurrection Day when Christ will return reuniting all believers together with Him in eternity.

Jack is survived by his wife, Mary S. Johnston; daughter, Ingrid Johnston; son, Leif (Lana) Johnston; granddaughters, Rylee and Camryn; sister, Jennifer (Britton) Georges; brother, Joe Johnston; brother in-law, Chuck (Lee) McCaffree; brother-in-law, David (Alex) McCaffree, and sister-in-law Nancy (Aubrey) Carter and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. His infant older brother, Bobby, his parents, and his brother in-law Jim McCaffree preceded him in death.

The family of Jack is deeply grateful to Theresa and all the caregivers at The Legacy of Bothell for their kind, loving and exceptional care during his last 3 1/2 years of his suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Thank you especially Patrick, Valerie, Paolo, Roxanne and all the others who loved Jack as one would a dear family member.

Burial with a US Army Honor Guard was held at Fir-Conway Lutheran Cemetery, 19084 Milltown Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA., 12:00 p.m., November 14, 2025.

Funeral Services with reception following will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2521 Lombard Ave., Everett, WA, 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025

Please share your condolences and memories of Jack at dignitymemorial.com

Memorials may be made to

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2521 Lombard Ave., Everett, WA. 98201

Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46825, Attention: Advancement Dept.

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) Endowment, 1601 E. Lamar Blvd, Suite 117, Arlington, TX 76011.