David C Johnston's Obituary
David Christopher Johnston, 50, of Denver, NC and Fernandina Beach, FL passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Born on February 4, 1974, in Kalamazoo, MI to Larry and Judy Johnston, David spent his childhood in Michigan and graduated from Albion College where he also played football.
His 25-year career in the turnaround and restructuring market took him all over the country, but nowhere he found more significant than Baton Rouge in 1999. Here, David met the love of his life, Jennifer, or JenRae, as he affectionately called her.
David retired from the corporate world in 2023, looking forward to focusing on his family, passions and numerous local business and philanthropic ventures. He loved big and never met a stranger. David generously invested in others, using his God-given gift of mentorship and remarkable turnaround expertise to help them realize their potential and live their purpose. His legacy continues to grow in the countless people whose lives, families and futures his influence forever changed.
David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Hazel Johnston and his maternal grandparents, Frank and Sophia Schindler. David is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jennifer, and their four children, Jonah, Caleb, Luke and Gracie. They were his pride and joy, whom he loved and cherished above all else. No time spent with David was complete without a few stories or updates about Jen and the kids, told with unparalleled excitement in his voice and beaming pride in his eyes
He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Judy of Denver NC, his brothers, Timothy (Wendy) Johnston of The Woodlands, TX and Steven (Lisa) Johnston of Canton, MI, his in-laws, William and Karen Freise of Denver, NC and brother-in-law, Edward (Carrie) Freise of Huntington, IN. Also left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews, Rebecca, Sophia, Joshua, Matthew, Elizabeth, Erica and Emily, beloved cousin, Stephanie (Dan) and her boys, who Dave considered to be his little sister, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
We will celebrate David’s incredible life and take comfort in the promise of The Gospel, knowing he has now entered glory and is with Jesus.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday, August 8 at Westport Baptist Church, 2372 Lake Shore Road S, Denver, NC. David’s celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 9, at Westport Baptist Church.
In memory of David’s passion for his church and its new building, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dave Johnston Memorial Building Fund at Church at Denver churchatdenver.org/give.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?