James Johnston

Colonel James David Johnston (Retired), 71, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed on June 14, 2013. David was born August 18, 1941. He served our country as a fighter pilot and flew missions in the Vietnam War. He concluded his military career at the Pentagon working for the Secretary of Defense. He stayed in Washington D.C. for five more years as the president of Trailways National Bus System before returning to his childhood hometown as owner of the Hot Springs Taxi Service. David was an avid golfer, Razorback fan, and lover of horse racing. He was President of the Spa City Razorback Club and a constant fixture at Oaklawn, cheering his horse to the finish line from his coveted box seat. He also cherished his golfing trips and tailgating with his closest friends. David is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Eloise Johnston. He is survived by his loving daughter, Kimberly Johnston and her son, Jackson Holmes; his best friend and son, Derek Johnston, Derek's wife, Wendy and their two children, Jacob and Hannah; and his faithful sister, Cindy Harding, her husband Murray and his nieces and nephews, Mathew, Sarah, and Jenna. He will also be greatly missed by a multitude of friends he encountered all over the world on his journey through his life. Services will be held at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark. at 2 p.m., on June 18, 2013; reception following at David's home (122 Bella Court) for family and friends in celebration of a blessed life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.grossfuneralhome.com.