OBITUARY: Rev James Johnstone, Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, Larne

Rev Jimmy Johnstone addresses the congregation in Craigyhill Presbyterian Church at his retirement service. LT36-329-PR

Mr Johnstone, former minister of Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, died on April 1, at his Sanda Drive home.

The service was preceded by burial at Victoria Cemetery in Carrickfergus.

A personal tribute was given by Rev Billy Saunderson, a fellow theology student with Jimmy at Magee College in Londonderry.

Mr Saunderson said: “I remember Jimmy being very ardent in prayer during early morning prayer times we had in our first year in Crawford Square and he also went on to be a very good president of the Evangelical Union in the college.

“At some stage in his teens, Jimmy came to faith in Christ as his Saviour and Lord and his life work and chief ambition was always abound in the work of the Lord.

“Jimmy loved his congregations, the people in Castlewellan and Leitrim where he served for nine years and then, Craigyhill, where he ministered for 26 years.

“Jimmy served the wider Church. He was convenor of the Christian Training Committee for seven years and clerk of the Carrick Presbytery for ten years.”

He is survived by his wife Nancy and daughters Ruth, Emma and Grace.