Biography:

James Houston Eccleston Johnston, Jr.

“Excy” born 12//22/1947, died 11/11/2019, only son of JHE Johnston and Rozenia Dunn Johnton.  Older brother of Martha “Mattie” Johnston.

Family survivors include wife Amy Gray Light, children Jamey (TX), Corey (Stephanie), and Brooks (Rickey) (TX).  Granddaughters Parker and Sawyer  (Brooks), and Hazel and Isabelle (Corey).  Also first wife Jeannette Johnston and Uncle Naloner Schley and Aunt Caroline Gardiner.

Excy was born in Baltimore, MD and until age 4 lived on the family estate “Burnside” in Stevenson, MD.  After moving to Palm Beach, FL the family settled in Prescott, AZ, which he considers his true home.

Excy attended Orme Boarding School until he was invited to leave after one too many shenanigans.  He maintained his love and interest in horses throughout his life, and told many colorful stories of riding broncs on the rodeo circuit.

After graduation from Texas Tech with a B.A. in Architecture Excy worked in Austin, TX eventually establishing his own practice.  His is responsible for many well-known landmark buildings and residences, and has the distinction of having all of them published in local, state, national, and international magazines.

After moving East and working in MD, he and Amy moved to AR.  Excy worked in AR, OH, and NM, and eventually his love of “all things horse” compelled him to establish Wing Spur, a nonprofit wild horse sanctuary.  Saving mustangs and burros was his pride and joy.

Excy was a renaissance man gifted with a keen intelligence and flair for story-telling.  He shared a million fascinating and remarkable life stories of his colorful, prestigious family and his own full life.

He will be forever missed by his loved ones and Friends.

Services will be held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72223 on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11 a.m.