John Park Johnston, known to all as "Jay," passed away suddenly in February at the age of 65.

Born in August of 1952 in Ft. Knox, KY to Richard P. and Jayne A. (Hand) Johnston. Jay graduated from Howe Military School in 1971 and went on to attend Ohio University, Athens.

His young adult life was spent on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida where he began to hone his culinary skills. After moving back to Ohio in 1979 and working for several years in the corporate world, he partnered in his own restaurant in Cincinnati and then in Newark. He was a creative soul; as was evident in his love for food, music, art and most of all, his children.

In addition to his parents, Jay is survived by his children, Amber (Darby) Roberts and Richard "Park" Johnston; two grandchildren, Celia and Leo Roberts; a sister, Leslie (Jim) Reesing; brothers, David (Molly) Johnston and Christopher (Lisa) Johnston; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jay's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jay can be made to The Main Place 12 S. Third St., Newark, OH or at www.themainplace.org.

"You belong among the wildflowers. You belong in a boat out at sea. Sail away, kill off the hours. You belong somewhere you feel free"-- Tom Petty "Wildflowers".