Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr.

James Vann Johnston was born on October 16, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee, within the diocese of the same name. After attending Saint Joseph School and Knoxville Catholic High School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (1982) and worked for several years as an electrical engineer in Houston, Texas. He entered the seminary and pursued his ecclesiastical studies at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana (1985–1990). Subsequently, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America in Washington (1996). He was ordained a priest on June 9, 1990, for the Diocese of Knoxville. Following his ordination, he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary Parish in Oak Ridge (1990–1992) and Saint Jude Parish in Chattanooga (1992–1994); Chaplain and teacher at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga (1992–1994); Diocesan Chancellor and Parochial Vicar at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville (1996–2001); Diocesan Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia (2001–2008); and Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa (2007–2008). Appointed Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau (Missouri) on January 24, 2008, he received episcopal ordination on March 31 of that year. Within the Bishops' Conference, he served as a member of the Committee on Child and Youth Protection and the Subcommittee on the Catechism.