James Jay Johnston

James Jay Johnston, 87, of Lower Burrell passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and grandchildren on July 9, 2022 at Butler Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Johnston  was born on July 24, 1934 in New Kensington to the late Franklin B. and Yvonne M. (Hensenne) Johnston. 

Mr. Johnston married the love of his life, the late Carol Johnston, at Grace Community  Presbyterian Church and was married for 60 years.  He proudly served in the Navy on the Destroyer USS Gwin for two years.  He enjoyed going to craft shows and the Sight and Sound Theater with his wife, watching all Pittsburgh sports, the outdoors, jogging, gardening, and hunting, especially at the annual deer camp.  He participated in Promise Keeper events and Billy Graham Crusades in Pittsburgh.  He was an Elder and choir member at Puckety Church and loved music, especially Andre Bocelli.  Mr. Johnston was a two time Past Master, Secretary, and active member for over 50 years at the Bethel Masonic Lodge #789 F&AM.

After his military service, Mr. Johnston became a talented phlebotomist and worked in Kittanning, Allegheny Valley, and Citizens General Hospitals and was requested for house calls and blood draws.  After retirement, he even worked part time at Quest Diagnostics in Vandergrift.

He is survived by his sons Todd (Denise) Johnston and James M Johnston, of Lower Burrell and a daughter Julia (David) Teichman of New Kensington.  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew (Maryanne Griffin), Joshua, Benjamin, and Kayla (Will Sipe) Johnston, two great grandchildren, Gregory and Novalee Sipe and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by two sister-in-laws Marcy Ligon and Michele (Richard) Slinkard of Lower Burrell.  Additionally, he is survived by his pup, Buddy.  Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Lee (Karr) Johnston in 2016, an infant son, James Jay Johnston, Jr. in 1957, a brother Bertram F. Johnston and sister Dolores I. Robinson.

Friends will be received Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc. 1509 5^th Avenue, Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci Owner/Supervisor. Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 P.M.  A Funeral Service will be Friday 10:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home, with the Reverend Douglas Marshall presiding.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please send donation to Puckety Church, Bethel Lodge #789 or to the ALS Foundation in loving memory of his wife.

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