Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The wife of a Fort Campbell soldier who was recently killed in a motorcycle crash has started a fundraising campaign to honor her late husband through his favorite charities.
SSG James Johnston was killed in a head-on collision March 15 on Highway 76 in Montgomery County. His wife, Lacey Johnston, helped create a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Boy Scouts of America and Wounded Warrior Project, both of which were dear to him.
Boy Scouts
James was involved with the Boy Scouts from a very young age and worked his way up to the Eagle Scouts. He was a part of Troop 328 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
“He’s always been very passionate about helping to support the Boy Scouts because he felt that is what really gave him a foundation as he was growing up,” Lacey said. “He always loved the outdoors. Most kids were inside playing video games and he wanted to be in the woods, down by the creek, or at the lake, not only learning about different things, but he also liked to teach others about them as well. It was pretty incredible the amount of knowledge that he had.”
Lacey said James had also been trying to get involved with the Boy Scout troop at Fort Campbell before he passed.
Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project was another special charity for James, which he viewed as the most trusted of all military-based organizations.
“He realized that they did what they did for the right reasons, they aren’t just out to make a profit. Being able to support his brothers and sisters is something I know that he was big on while he was here and I know that he would be happy that we were able to do something now that he’s gone,” Lacey said.
Military Service
Johnston was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant after working diligently and receiving multiple accolades. He also served two active duty tours in Afghanistan.
“He earned that, it definitely wasn’t given to him. That was something he worked very hard for,” Lacey said.
SSG Johnston began his military career in the Army reserves before becoming active duty at Fort Campbell. He was later stationed in Germany and then moved on to Fort Drum.
He and Lacey were married on September 9, 2011. In September of 2014, the couple returned to Fort Campbell.
Lasting Legacy
Friends of Lacey and James are planning on making a special brick for James to be placed on a memorial walkway at Fort Drum.
In lieu of flowers for James’ memorial service, Lacey has asked for donations to these charities to honor the memory of her husband and continue the work that he loved.
“The biggest part of him and the biggest thing I know that the Eagle Scouts taught him was always being ready to help others,” she said. “He loved helping people. That’s why I owe it to him to do this in his memory. This is his final way of being able to help people he cared the most about.”
To donate to the Boy Scouts of America or Wounded Warrior Project in honor of SSG James Johnston, visit the official GoFundMe page.
All photos courtesy of Lacey Johnston