James Delbert “Dada” Johnston of Nacogdoches passed away April 23, 2021, at his home at the age of 94. He was born December 28, 1926, in Tecula, Texas to parents Alton Toby Johnston and Verna (Bullock) Johnston.
A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Mr. Johnston was a basketball coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent before retiring from Central Heights Schools. An All-American in basketball, he was also named to the SFA Basketball Hall of Fame. He proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Marines. He was a founding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.
James’s hobbies included playing 42, bridge, fishing, and tending to his yard. He enjoyed traveling including trips to Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. He was quick-witted and famous for his one-liners.
Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vallie Kendrick-Johnston; granddaughter, Stephanie Fowler; brother, Alton Johnston; and sister, Sue Wallace.
He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Johnston-Fore and husband Ray of Nacogdoches and Gayla Johnston of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Greta Fore-Simon and husband Jeff of Athens, Greece, Tyle Ray Fore and wife Kelli of Nacogdoches, James Clark Fowler and wife Allie of Carthage, Philip Andrew Fowler of Lufkin, and Kenneth Jordan Fowler of Carthage; great-grandchildren, Kastyn Ray Fore and Lennon Jae Fore, both of Nacogdoches and Hayden Elizabeth Fowler and Alexander Mason Fowler, both of Carthage; sister, Maxine Robertson of Jacksonville; brother, Johnny Ray Johnston and wife Mary of Tyler; special love, Mildred Pitts of Nacogdoches; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday April 25, 2021, at Sunset Memorial Park officiated by Pastor Paul Sevar. Serving as pallbearers will be Mr. Johnston’s nephews and grandsons.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Right At Home Care Givers and Affinity Hospice for their loving care.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
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