Joseph (Joe) Edward Johnston died on September 25 from complications due to Parkinsons. He was 81. He resided in Rancho Cucamonga for more than forty years. Joseph was born on October 5, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska. He moved with his family to Seattle, Washington at a young age. He lived on Bainbridge Island throughout his childhood. Joseph attended the
University of Washington where he earned a BA in Economics. His education was interrupted when his Marine Corps Reserve Unit went to Korea from 1953 to 1955. Upon his return, Joseph attended Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. He moved to Southern California after getting married and earned his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School. He worked as a Deputy District Attorney in San Bernardino County. Three years later he went into private practice where he spent 20 years trying criminal and civil cases. In 1987, he ran for Superior Court Judge and won the election. He spent three years in Victorville before returning to Rancho Cucamonga where he spent the next 16 years trying cases. He is widely recognized for his dedication and persistence in the most contentious disputes. He presided over more than 250 jury trials. From 1993 to 1995 he served as Assistant Presiding Judge and in 1995 he became Presiding Judge. Joseph received the Judicial Award for Civility from the American Board of Trial Advocates. He also received the Kaufman-Campbell Award for Highest Standards of Judicial Excellence. Upon his retirement he became an Arbitrator and a Mediator. Joseph enjoyed sailing his boat around Newport Harbor, tending to his more than 100 rose bushes and traveling. He is preceded in death by his wife Katherine Johnston; parents Della Lee and Courtney Johnston; two brothers Douglas Johnston and Mick Johnston. He is survived by four children and two step children, James Johnston, Ann Trobough (Troy), Mary Underwood, Patrick Johnston, Jon Kotez (Whitney) and Marianne Conner (Cal); and nine grandchildren Austin, Aidan, Shaun, Chloe, Lexi, Ian, Bailey, Meaghan and Jacob. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 14, with a Rosary at 10:30 and the Mass at 11:30, St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church with a private burial at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to .
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