Mr. Jerold Mark Johnston

Jerold Mark “Skip” Johnston ended his journey on this earth and transitioned peacefully into the arms of Jesus while surrounded by his wife and children on Friday, September 10th, 2021. Mark’s distinguished and lifelong career as a player, coach, and father figure to so many in the baseball community was eclipsed only by two things: his love of God and his most beloved family. Mark was born on February 10, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. He steadily worked his way up the ranks as a triple threat in high school sports, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football before earning a scholarship to play for the legendary Eddie Stanky at the University of South Alabama. In his junior year for the Jaguars, Mark became the leading home run hitter in the nation while also being named to the Division I First-Team All American. On the campus of South Alabama is where he also met the love of his life, Cheryl. His rise into the pros came through multiple seasons with the minor-league affiliates of the Yankees and Brewers. He also played stints of professional baseball in the Dominican Republic and Australia. Mark then entered the coaching world, rising to the level of Triple-A hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs. He traded traveling to start his family and a prolific career coaching locally. Mark helped mold numerous student/athletes from all over the area including Cottage Hill Christian Academy, McGill-Toolen, Satsuma, Bishop State Community College, and Mississippi State as a graduate assistant to Ron Polk. Those who had the privilege to be coached by “Skip” will remember him for his passion for the game. A baseball strategist extraordinaire, he was often two steps ahead of his contemporaries and the umpires. Players all over the country will also remember his deep knowledge of the game and the unique, commanding whistle he would do when he wanted their attention. His professional legacy lives on through the merits of those athletes, while his personal—and most cherished legacy—carries on through his three children to whom he devoted his life. He was an active member of Cottage Hill Baptist and Dayspring Baptist churches. Mark volunteered for many years with the Westside Buddy Ball and the Mobile Area Special Olympics. Mark is survived by his wife Cheryl; his three children Jeffrey, Johanna, and Maggie Rose; his mother Marilyn and his brothers, Jeff and Jeremy Johnston. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerold Johnston. A Celebration of Life will be held in Mark’s honor on Sunday, November 7th, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Stanky Field. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Westside Buddy Ball (917 Pinemont Drive, Mobile, Al., 36609) and Mobile Area Special Olympics (64 S Fulton St. Mobile Al 36606). Donations can also be made at the Celebration of Life

Mr. Jerold Mark Johnston

February 10, 1957 - September 10, 2021