Gerald James Johnston

gerald johnston

Gerald "Moose" James Johnston, Jr., born January 2, 1944, the first born son of Gerald James "Jim" Johnston and Doris (McMeen) Johnston went to eternal rest on April 18, 2022 at Heritage Health of Walnut.

 Jerry married Carol Diane Hoadley on June 24, 1972, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford. She survives along with their daughter, Peggy of Wyanet, his grandson, Patrick, his granddaughter, Bethany, and great-grandchildren: Avery, Benjamin and Stella all of Bradford. He is also survived by nine siblings: Mary of Champaign, Donna (Don) Urban of Spring Bay, Francis "Zip" (Sherry) of Peoria, Doyle (Linda) of Wyanet, Nancy Johnston, and Cathy Naylor of Albuquerque, NM, Allen (Julia) of Urbana, Rosalie (Jim) Gerkin of Kokomo, IN, Joe (Connie) of Mohomet, and Paula (Rick) King of Wyoming, 40 nieces and nephews and an aunt, Sandra Elrick of Virginia. 

 Jerry worked as a License Examiner for the state of Illinois. Jerry was also a bus driver for over 50 years for Neponset, Wyanet, and Bradford School Districts and for Team Corn Detassling. Jerry was also a member of Bradford Schools and Bradford Library Boards. Jerry was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. Later in life, he joined the ranks of the Santa Maria Assembly No. 0217 Knights of Columbus as a fourth degree knight. As a member of St. John the Baptist Church, he taught several 8th grade classes of CCD. His true love was being a police officer and going camping with the scouts. He was loved and respected by many, including his great-grandchildren.

 Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, both sets of grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

 His family would like to thank Heritage Health of Walnut and VITAS Hospice for the excellent care that they gave our husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

 Services will be on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford, Illinois. Visitation will be held Wednesday April 27, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Bradford, Illinois with rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. prior to the visitation. Burial will take place in St. John Cemetery, Bradford, Illinois.  Memorials may be directed to Bradford Public Library or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

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  1. Condolences to Jerry’s family. He was a fixture as THE police officer of my childhood. I distinctly recall him presenting to our 1st or 2nd grade class and telling us that no matter what – always ride our bikes on the sidewalk vs the street regardless of how the law may be written.

  2. Sending our prayers for strength and comfort and peace in this saddened time. We loved Moose. I remember the stories Corey would tell about Moose at Awana. Moose just laughed. Hugs to Carol and all of you. Sadly missed.

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Johnston family. I enjoyed visiting with Jerry and Carol at all the games I worked that they attended. May God be with all of you during this trying time. God Bless all of you.

  4. Carol, Peggy and all the family. I’m sorry for your loss. Jerry will for sure be missed. I know he is with Doris and Jim. Hugs and love you all.

  5. Years ago, when we lived in Bradford, I worked for Jerry on the Bradford Police Department. He was a great boss and we had many good times, especially during Labor Day. I will miss his sense of humor and his laugh. Res in eternal peace old friend.

  6. Moose and I were close friends in the 60’s and 70’s. When Moose was an officer at Bradford on one night at about 2:00 in the morning, I was unloading a tanker of 28% fertilizer when a valve ruptured and soaked me with the caustic fertilizer. I ran to my truck an called for help on the CB radio. Moose answered my call for help and was there in minutes. He helped me to remove my clothing to try to slow down the burning process. He then took me at high speed in his car to my home so I could shower and try to remove the fertilizer off of me.. He was my Guardian Angel that night, and if he would not have heard my plea on the radio, my situation would have been a lot worse. May God Bless Moose for his help to me in that dire accident. My Deepest Sympathy to all of the Family. Phil Schupbach Branson, Missouri

  7. Carol and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and together you will have the love and strength need at this sad time.
    Sincerely. Charlotte Dison

  8. Carol, Peggy and family, So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He will be greatly missed and please know you are in our prayers!


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