James Hill "Jimmy" Johnstone III

James Hill Johnstone III, 74, of Brevard, peacefully departed this world on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Charles George V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC.

Born June 14, 1949, at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, he was the first son of the late James Hill Johnstone, Jr. and the late Ruth Betsill Johnstone. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Wilhelmina Betsill, and his grandparents.

Family and close friends affectionately called him “Snook”, a nickname given to him in his preschool years, but after starting school he also answered to “Jimmy” or “Jim.” His formal education began at Rosenwald School, and afterward he graduated from Brevard High School in 1967. He was a talented musician and in his teens he played saxophone with a local band, The Tams. After high school he attended Mars Hill College where he studied drama. His passion for theatre and acting began at Mars Hill where he performed in several theatrical productions. Over the years he continued acting occasionally on stage and screen appearing in television commercials and small roles on television shows and movies. 

During the Vietnam War era, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1974. Throughout his life he was an avid reader, golfer, and enjoyed a variety of musical genres, especially jazz. He lived and worked in Charlotte, Washington, DC, New York and Antigua before returning to Brevard in 1979. He worked at DuPont until retirement, but always made time for the people and things he enjoyed such as traveling, riding his horse “Sugar Baby”, and taking care of his beloved dog, “Jetta.”

He is survived by his wife, Cecelia Whitesides Johnstone of Brevard; son Antonio Johnstone of Arden; daughters: Julia Gray of Atlanta, Malissa Johnstone of Candler and his step-daughter Roslyn Whitesides of Brevard; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Nicholas Johnstone (Andrea) of Boston, MA, Vicki Johnstone Davis of Lakeland, FL, Wanda Johnstone Foster (Victor) of Brevard, Wendell Johnstone of Oxon Hill, MD, Jonalyn Johnstone Crite (Terry) of Brevard; his uncle, L.C. Betsill of Brevard, along with a large host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Funeral Services will held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June, 21, 2024 at Glade Creek Baptist Church with Rev. David Suber officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 o’clock noon until time for the service. Interment will follow at Cooper Cemetery in Brevard.

To leave a memory or condolence for the family of James “Jimmy” Johnstone III, please go to the on-line registry at “Obituaries” at www.mooreblanchard.com

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.