Mr. James V. “Jim” Johnstone: Obituary

James V. “Jim” Johnstone, 86, of Blue Ridge, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

A native of Nutley, New Jersey, he was born June 10, 1930, to Chester and Mildred Johnstone.

Following graduation from Cornell University, Jim attended law school at the University of Miami earning the degree of Juris Doctor, and was a practicing attorney and trial lawyer for over 50 years.
He was a law partner of Robert K. Ballew in Blue Ridge during the 1970s and was a member of the Georgia, Florida and Tennessee Bar Associations.

After returning to Blue Ridge in 2006, Jim opened a limited law practice which included serving for a time as the Ducktown city attorney and as counsel for the Copper Basin Medical Center.
Over the years, Jim represented many underdog clients, including cases involving veterans, Native Americans, the disabled, and laborers.

Jim was an avid reader and fan of jazz music and classic films.
He is survived by his wife Nola; sons James Jr. (Kathy) Johnstone of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Jeff (Sandy Ramsey) Johnstone of Blue Ridge, Danny Johnstone of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Doug (Meg) Johnstone of Cherry Log; stepdaughter Lisa (Brian) Finnicum; grandchildren Jillian, Rachel, Drew, Channing, and Autumn; step-grandchildren Will and Tim Hamby; and brother Chet Johnstone.

He is also survived by nephews and a niece, several special friends whom he considered to be family, and his beloved dogs Snoopy and Baby.

Following visitation at the Akins of Blue Ridge Funeral Home on Thursday, March 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., a graveside service will be held at the cemetery of Mount Liberty Baptist Church on Friday, March 10, at 2 p.m conducted by the Rev. John Newton. Jim’s sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim’s memory to the Mount Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 93 Couch Drive, McCaysville, GA, 30555.

Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.