Judge Brown (J.B.) Johnston died peacefully at his home on April 12, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Hilton Johnston and Judge Brown Johnston, Sr., his siblings, Ralph Johnston, Sidney Johnston, Lucille Johnston, and Ruth Green, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Kate Simmons Johnston.

J.B. was born in Canton on May 12, 1930 on Archer Street, and he enjoyed 25 years living in Downtown Canton as a "city boy". He attended Canton Elementary School and Canton High School, where his love of sports began. J.B. was a talented letterman athlete in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track, and he continued his competitive spirit in his later years as a part of the YMCA's basketball and horseshoe leagues. In 2004, his athletic accomplishments were recognized when he was inducted into the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame, and as his children and grandchildren grew up, J.B. often took on the role of coach and cheerleader to teach and support them in their own many activities.

After high school, J.B. served in the Army during the Korean War, spending 2 years in active duty and 5 years as part of the Army Reserves. He spent his career as a bookkeeper, working many years at Canton Cotton Mills and B & N Auto Parts before retiring from Woodstock Gas Company. In both his personal and professional life, J.B. was dedicated, honest, and trustworthy, always willing to go the extra mile and take time to support others along the way.

J.B. was an active member of Canton First Baptist Church for over 72 years, serving as a deacon, usher, and volunteer with the youth. He always could be found with a servant heart and positive attitude, remaining a devoted man of faith even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

In addition to his dedication to his faith and vocation, J.B. was a devoted family man, serving as a loving husband to his wife, Kate, and taking great pride in investing in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and often made the process of planting, tending, and harvesting the annual vegetable garden a family affair.

J.B. lived his life with optimism, humility, and a contagious sense of humor. He shared both joy and wisdom with all who knew him, valued what mattered most - his Christian faith an family, and touched many lives through his example.

Survivors include: Daughter - Angela (Mark) Whitaker, Canton, GA;
Son - Barry (Julie) Johnston, Marietta, GA; Grandchildren - Sarah Johnston, Chicago, IL; Blake (Jackie) Johnston, Roswell, GA; Molly Johnston, Marietta, GA; Heather (Andy) Moore, Macon, GA; Matt Whitaker, Portland, OR,and several nieces & nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Matt Whitaker, Mike Johnston, and Dr. George Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at South Canton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (ATTN: Cherokee County, 1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd, Suite 280, Kennesaw, Ga 30144), M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210), or to the charity of your choice.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com

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