I love big Mike so much and hope he has a great time with God.😘
Love your grand daughter,Maddie

Dearest Jackie, my heart aches for you and your family in the loss of your partner  and best friend. I hope my prayers will find you and bring some kind of peacefulness in your life. Know that I am here for you if you need , my door is always open to you here in Lafayette . ♥️🙏🏼 And hugs

None of us escapes the boundaries of time allotted to us by our maker.  But no matter how long or short, in the end what matters is how we live our lives between the bookmarks of birth and death.  Mike's blessing was to be able to live life with joyful exuberance, and his rare talent was to be able to impart that joy to others.  Goodbye, God bless and sleep well, Big Dog.  The world is a poorer place without you.

Jackie, it pains me to hear of Mike's passing. He was so awesome, so larger than life. My heart breaks for you and your family. Holding you in prayer.
Mary St Romain

I am so sad to hear of this. I worked with Michael for many years when I was with State Police. He was one of the finest federal officers I ever worked with. He was the real deal. Mission first and “no” wasn’t in his vocabulary.   He was incredibly kind and great fun to be with because he was always so nice to everybody.  Just an all around great guy. My deepest sympathies to the family and my friend, Diane. What a loss!  Please know the entire family is in my thoughts. 

You were such a pivotal part of my life, even before I was born.  Sadly, our time together was limited as I drifted further from my family when I entered adulthood. Every single second spent with you was priceless though. Every word you uttered was influential and helpful with my adventure into life. I wish we could have spent more time together, as I keep thinking back on our last hangs at the Maple Leaf after an amazing dinner at Jacque Imos. You'll always be a part of me and will always be missed. Your passing has helped me realize how important our family is and will do whatever is needed to be a better part of it.  Love and miss you dearly.

After our father died when I was 14, my brother, at just 22 (with the support of his wonderful wife Jackie) stepped up to assume that parental void so capably that I've always considered Mike my surrogate dad.  He set the example to guide me in the right direction growing up and he and Jackie shouldered the additional burden of caring for our sick mother while I left and pursued military goals. When returning to NOLA for visits, everywhere I went with Mike he seemed to know and be friends with EVERYONE.  I was so proud as he introduced me as "his little brother the Marine".  I have taken a bit of comfort in his passing knowing just how much living he crammed into those 66 years.
Mike fought valiantly trying to beat his illness. I am so very proud of the many lives he touched, and especially the legacy he and Jackie leave with my remarkable niece Kim and nephew Chris.  "Big", you will be missed. Until we meet again Bro...


My deepest sympathy and Prayers go out to Jackie, Kim and Christopher and the entire Johnston Family. I had the honor to be sister in-law to this amazing and caring family man. He always made me smile. I love you Mike and thank you for being a great Uncle to my kids. Thank you for always making me feel like I was still part of the Family. I know you are  enjoying Heaven. You have the best seat in the house on Game Days. God Bless 



Mike and I were longtime friends and work partners for over a year.   We shared a love of all sports and life was never dull when you were with Mike.  His love of life, his family, and Tulane were evident in everything he did.  He was the best kind of sports fan, who never blamed the officials, (well not often) accepted the limitations of his team and fervently rooted for the Green Wave in good times and bad.  When Mike was around, you knew it.  As a work partner he could always be counted on to do his part and best of all, find the best local spots to eat.
Mike never met a stranger and to know him was to count his as a friend.  When he was first diagnosed he called, and we talked for two hours.  His attitude was positive and his outlook was sunny the last time we talked.  He will be missed by everyone he touched.


Mike and I have known each other since our EOD with INS in October 1976. He was instantly likeable and welcoming to all. His dedication and professionalism in carrying out the mission of our Agency were also imparted to those around him. Mike was able to balance work and home life in an enviable manner. His dedication to Tulane and the Green Wave was well known to all who knew him, but he did it in a way that was not antagonistic towards the predominantly LSU community. He was stunned when he learned of his diagnosis, but made a concerted effort to not let it get him down. He made life adjustments and kept his optimism visible while keeping his friends updated on his progress. I will miss Mike and his truly great personality.

Just wanted to send you our condolences. Always enjoyed talking with Mike at the Bay. He had great stories of his DEA days and college days. He kept such optimism and such good spirits through his fight - probably why he did so well for so long. We will miss him. 

I never had the pleasure to meet Mike, but we knew Jackie from MMS.  We just wanted to let you know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Jackie and Keith Welsh

My deepest sympathies to the family of Mike.  May he rest in peace. 

We can’t believe that Mike, the epitome of  “a life well lived” is gone.  Blessed with an infectious smile, he was a friend to everyone.  Even the workday was better when Mike got a group of us together for lunch.    Listening to his jokes at Vic’s was hysterical.  But he never stayed long.  A consummate husband, father and chef, we would hear his dinner plans just before he dashed out .  A favorite memory was the Jimmy Buffett concert we attended, complete with grass skirts - Mike tied two together for himself.  We have never laughed so hard!  
We’re sure that Mike has started a new club in heaven already, and God is well-pleased.  Love and condolences to Jackie and family for this huge loss.

Mike,
You were always larger than life and enjoyed every breath.  You never did anything half way.  You always seemed so tough on the outside but so many of us knew that you had such a loving and caring side.  You and Jackie helped me so much through tough times and I will always love you both for that.  I will miss you Big.  Till we meet again.

Dez  

Dear Johnston Family,

Please accept my total sympathy on the passing of Mike. 

Mike was always a kind and friendly person to everyone, even the occasional LSU person, as long as mutual respect was given. 

Mike’s father was on the same Tulane football teams as my father. Mike truly had “Green” blood, and loved Tulane.

God Bless Mike Johnston! GreenWave 🌊!

Mike loved family, loved Tulane, and loved life, and it showed.  That is Mike parasailing in Cancun on his 60th birthday trip, “Laissez le bon temps rouler!”   Being around him you could always count on much laughter, good conversation and just maybe a rum cocktail.  May you Rest In Peace my friend!  

So sorry to hear of Jimmys passing. I did not know him as Mike but just Jimmy and he always had a smile when he came to get his chemo or when he came to CVS to pick up his medication. I spoke to him last Tuesday when he called to fill his prescription and we always teased each other and I told him I would see him when he came to the pharmacy to pick up his meds. Well I guess God had other plans for Jimmy and I will miss laughing with him at Dr. Sheens office and at CVS . My thoughts and prayers for him and the family. Rest in peace Jimmy. 

I have known Mike since 1987 when I started working with him at INS.  I enjoyed that time very much and is was a pleasure to work with him.
One of the fondest memories I have of Mike and Jackie is during the wedding of my daughter.  I was walking on eggshells, Jackie first advised me of things to say and finally when I somehow managed not to screw things up, Mike told me that I had done well and it is time for the third beer (or perhaps more).  The other stories, I don’t know where to begin, but they were always a good time.  I enjoyed many good times at JAZZ FEST, Sportsbeat, Thursday Greenbacker nights, Bay Café, Vic’s Kangaroo, and other festivities with Mike.
Mike was a good family man and very proud of all his family members.  I will always remember how he courageously faced this disease.  I am already missing the phone calls, e-mails, and texts.  I will always miss him. 


Mike “Big Dog” Johnston was one of a kind. A big man with a bigger heart he was well known in INS/ICE circles who most considered the mayor of New Orleans. A renowned investigator who knew everyone and always made visiting colleagues feel welcomed. His generosity and larger than life personality made him truly special man and he is and will remain missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his wonderful family. 

‘Big Dog’ was one of a kind. If you heard that Louisiana drawl in a crowded room, a smile came to your face.  Mike was there. I had the privilege of not only working with Mike but calling him a friend. There are damn few left like the Big Dog. May God bless his soul & his family on their loss. RIP Gator. 

Jackie so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. From the days we worked at Fitzgerald's restaurant togethor, I always admired his passion for everything he did. He was a  good man, but I don't have to tell you that. I will always remember him because people like him don't come into your life very often. Whenever I went to Tulane games I would hear that voice calling my name from afar, asking how I was doing. I moved from New Orleans several years ago, so if I don't see you rest assured you, Mike, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. 

Frank Slipher

Mike was one of a kind and larger than life.  Always helpful to me.  Before my retirement I was the Assistant District Director in Chicago so Mike and I shared many issues as well as some problems.  I always appreciated his insight and advice.  God speed Big Mike.  I'll never forget you.

I could probably write a book with all of the Big Mike stories that I have shared with him for the better part of the 35 years I have known him.  Suffice it to say that Mike was a dear friend and we shared a great passion for Tulane Athletics. We have been together in countless arenas, stadiums, and ballparks over the years and those will be memories never forgotten.  Going to a game will never be the same without him there. He’s probably sharing a drink already with my dad and the rest of our Green Wave family that have gone before lamenting the results of yesterday’s game. 

My condolences to Chris and Jackie and the rest of the Johnston family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. 

I served with Mike - a cop's cop.  A true character and one of the funniest guys I ever met.  He loved to laugh, loved the job but most of all, loved his family.  An infectious smile that immediately drew you into him and kept you coming back for more.  It was hard to walk down the streets of the Big Easy without Mike running into someone he knew and from the interaction, it was clear that both  parties were better off for the relationship.  A big man with an ever larger heart.

The courage he displayed over the past few years was truly inspirational but Mike continued to live each day to its fullest so time was never wasted.  The rest of us should be so lucky.  

We'll miss you Big Dog!

I will miss my big brother.  Mike was a devoted family man, had many friends, and a larger than life personality.  He was a master at storytelling, board games, trivia contests, and being the life of any party.  He touched so many lives and the world was a better place with him in it.  He will be greatly missed.  May god’s mercy carry us through this heartache as we adjust to life without him.  I take comfort in knowing that Mike had a wonderful life and that he meant so much to so many.  It is an honor to celebrate his remarkable life and good memories. Mike, Rest In Peace and see you again someday.  

I got to knw Mike on the job.
Great guy,good to be around.
My sincere condolences to his family.


Mike was a genuinely nice person. I had the honor to work with him, after his agency was merged with ours. He was also a neighbor of mine. He was a good friend and fun to talk to. I’ll miss him.

From literally the first second I met him, I was hooked: his brilliant insight, humor, the best conversationalist in the world. I always knew from the very beginning that I would always have a lot of time for this guy. He was one of those people you only meet once in a lifetime. He truly brought so much joy to so many. 

Upon learning of his sudden passing a light went out for me in my own spirit, never to return again: whence cometh another? 

But now in his death I see something more of his life; and from knowing him, I know now that I am now a better person. His strong and unique influence and charism have made it such that a piece of him now lives on in me, and so many others. And I thank God for that.

Good-bye good friend, but something tells me you will never leave us, ever. When a Tulane player crosses a goal line, you will somehow be there sharing that moment with us, and be with us. When on a hot Saturday afternoon in spring, when a home run is hit and there is a Tulane win, I’ll see your smiling face. At a controversial call at a basketball game on Freret on a cold night in February, you will be there. Your face, your spirit, your smile, your words. 

We know you enough to know what you would say and do. And since you will not be there physically with us, we will do it for you, and for ourselves, and for Tulane. Not out of intention but more out of inclination. A piece of you now lives within us. 

And now Big Mike Johnston will be with us and be at Tulane from now until the ending of the world! How happy we are to have known you.

Youwill never be forgotten. You will always be remembered. You will live on in and through us. 

We love you, good, big, happy friend. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We, our lives and our spirits are more rich and more blessed because of you. Au revoir, but not good-bye.

Rest Easy my dear brother and friend.  I will miss our phone calls and texts.  I am so sad to lose you but so relieved you were surrounded by your wonderful Jackie and kids when you left us and went home to heaven.  Thank You for being such an awesome uncle to your two “Chineices” and to Graham.  We love you and will miss your “big” presence in our lives.   

I met Big Mike at his grandson, Nolan Majoue's 1st birthday party in 2014.  You could see the deep love for his grandson and his granddaughter,  Avery.  When Maddie and Caleb joined the grandchildren  "club" in 2016, his heart just expanded with joy.
He had great joy in his children, Kim and Chris, too.  When Kim won a cruise to the Caribbean in 2014, she took Big Mike with her.  When she came back and told me their stories of the trip, I could tell how much she enjoyed her father's companionship during the cruise.
Big Mike also loved his wife, Jackie tremendously.   They had a great love and raised two wonderful kids together.
Cherish a special memory of Big Mike everyday.  He was well loved by his family and friends.

Mike was a good guy he lived his life to the fullest RIP big guy

I didn't know "Big Mike" personally, but through my younger brother Ricky. I heard many stories about "Big Mike" and how he made every gathering special. I did see him once at a distance when I attended a Tulane baseball game a few years ago. He was cheering his butt off. I also knew of his illness and the possibility of surgery. Through my brother, I try to relate my own experiences with pancreas surgery. I asked often how "Big Mike" was doing and prayed I would see him up close at a Tulane game. None of us will have that honor and privilege again in this life. I offer my sincere condolences to "Big Mike's" family and myriad of friends. God rest his soul and grant peace and comfort to his family   

Today I am so sad to say good-bye to my big brother, Mike.  He was the epitome of a New Orleans character: larger than life, with an innate sense of wit & sarcasm; loud & fun spirited; a typical Yat.  Following the premature death of our father in 1975, Mike assumed the role of patriarch, making sure his younger siblings were taken care of, managing our mother's finances and life, all while trying to embark on his own journey as a newlywed. Though we often didn't see eye to eye, I always carried the utmost respect & admiration for the way he took up the torch & succeeded in every venture he pursued.  From all I know, he was a devoted husband and amazing father to his children. The world has lost a good man & patriot. You will be missed by so many. See you on the other side, Brother!

The entire staff at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home wishes to express our sincere condolences.  

OBITUARY

James Michael "Big Mike" Johnston

December 19, 1953 – September 16, 2020

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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