John "Jack" Ralph Johnston

Salem -John “Jack” Ralph Johnston, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Salem, Ohio on June 12, 2025.

Jack was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 1933, to Ralph and Evalyn Johnston. A devoted husband, father, and public servant, Jack will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Jack spent his childhood in Elyria, Ohio and went on to attend The Ohio State University where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture and Agricultural Economics. After completing his studies at Ohio State, he served briefly as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, Jack pursued his law degree through night school classes at the University of Baltimore all while working and supporting his young family. He spent most of his career working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. Among his proudest career achievements was his work to help create the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Food Stamp programs to provide nutritional support for low-income citizens.

Following his retirement from civil service, he returned to the land he loved in northeastern Ohio. Jack found his community in Columbiana, Ohio and became a long-time member of the congregation of Grace Church. Jack loved to sing and was active for decades in the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. Over his life time, he sang with several men’s choruses and barbershop quartets. It was his way of bringing a little harmony to our world.

Jack was always a want-to-be farmer and continued this vocation until very late in life, much to the chagrin of his loving wife. He insisted on planting a garden every year, raised chickens for several years, and somehow convinced his extended family to till, plant, and weed the garden when he was no longer able to manage it himself. Although his agricultural efforts would be considered a modest success at best, he seemed to take great pleasure in having his garden.

Jack is survived by his wife Evelyn Johnston, his sons; Doug Johnston (wife Diane), Jeff Johnston (wife Jan); stepsons, Robert Patton, Paul Williams (wife Mary Ann), Andrew Williams, Matthew Williams (wife Lenna); stepdaughters, Janet Leipheimer (husband Robert), Diane Klemann, and Angela Walker (husband Jon).  Also surviving are fourteen step grandchildren and fourteen step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Mary Johnston; sister, Jane Hostetler, and a stepson, Michael Williams.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, 28 North Main St., Columbiana, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held for Jack on Saturday, at 4:00 pm, at the funeral home, with Mr. Kurtis Williams officiating.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com