James William Johnston age 72, of Banks, AR died Thursday, March 5th,2026 at the St Vincents Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. He was born February 13th, 1954 in Pine Bluff, AR a son of the late William Johnston and Coradine Johnson Johnston. James was a crane operator, worked construction, was a water system operator in the Banks water system and loved and lived the outdoor life. James had a natural green thumb, he loved to garden and could grow anything. Hunting and fishing with his boys, James was a champion horse shoe thrower, which he instilled into his kids. Also preceding him in death is his daughter, Amanda Johnston England, great-grandson Landen Rice, brothers Donny Johnston, George Johnston and a sister Delia Johnston.
James is survived by his wife, Melba Doggett Johnston, whom he married July 19th, 1974. Sons, Jason Johnston and spouse Mary, Banks, AR, Matt Johnston and spouse Leighann, Sheridan, AR and Jake Johnston and spouse Kasey, Warren, AR. A brother Earl Johnston, Smackover, AR and a sisters JoAnn Johnston, Pryon, OK and Dena Thayer and spouse Jim, Arizonia.
8 grandchildren Desha, Maria, Aislin, Ryleigh, Reid, Paisley, Sailor and Fisher. Great-grandchildren Jeremy, Josie, Landen and Hazel. Great-great grandson Colby Cooper Rice
Funeral service was 2:00PM Sunday, March 8th, 2026 at Frazer’s Funeral Home. Burial was in Gravelridge Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home.
