James Derek Johnston

James Derek Johnston was born on April 6, 1970 in Tucson, Ariz. to the late James David Johnston and to Brenda Whitby Johnston, both of Hot Springs, Ark. Being raised in a military family, he lived all over the country from California to Washington, DC. Derek's love of Hot Springs grew when he spent many summers here as a child with both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles. When it was time to choose a college, he would become a Razorback like his father. While at the U of A at 19 years old, Derek met his future wife, Wendy Pinkerton of Little Rock, Ark. Derek is survived by Wendy his wife of 22 years and their two children, Jacob David Johnston and Hannah Claire Johnston all of Hot Springs; mother Brenda Whitby Johnston of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Kimberly Johnston of Vail Colo.; grandmother, Polly Whitby of Hot Springs; aunt and uncle James & Lynn Bennett of HS; paternal aunt and uncle Cindy & Murray Harding of LR. He deeply cherished his cousins whom he considered his own siblings. Derek was an outgoing, friendly guy who never met a stranger and generous to all who knew him. He went out of his way to help anyone in need. He was a successful business man serving as administrator of LR Diagnostic Clinic and currently the CFO at Sigma Supply and the owner of HS Taxi. He had a positive passion for life-enjoying the Razorbacks, Oaklawn, beach vacations and boating on the lake. A Celebration of Derek's Life will take place Monday at 1 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home. Online guestbook, tributes and memorials are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.