James Johnston Obituary

James A. Johnston

James Albert "Jim" Johnston, 79, of Findlay, passed away at 10:33 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family singing Amazing Grace.

Jim was born Nov. 21, 1943, in Findlay, to Harold J. and Ruth M. (Thompson) Johnston. He lived nearly his entire life and raised his family in West Park on the same block where the Johnston and Thompson families have lived for generations.

In 1960, Jim saw a beautiful young woman with long brunette hair blowing in the wind and knew he had met his future bride, JoAnn Harrold. They were married Dec. 8, 1963.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years; children, Jeffery (Debbie) Johnston of Findlay, Joseph (Molly) Johnston of Findlay, Ruthie (Cary) Vucinich of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jason (Jennifer) Johnston of Findlay, and Timmy (Lori) Workman of Delbarton, West Virginia; 15 grandchildren he was blessed with, David, Heather, Nikki, Jimmy, Stephanie, Jodie Kay, Alex, Mary-Katherine, Gideon, Karen, Grace, Jake, Mitchell, Grant, and William; nine great-grandchildren; brother, John (Connie) Johnston of Findlay; and sisters, Joan Johnston of Fallbrook, California, and Judy (Louis) Lauriello of Bonsall, California.

He was preceded in death by a son, James H. "Jimmy" Johnston; and great-granddaughter, Riley Jo Johnston.

As a 1962 Findlay High School graduate, Jim continued to be a FHS Trojan fan as a dedicated dad and grandpa at hundreds of music and sporting events over the past 50 years. Jim began his career at the Whitehouse Hamburger shop where he worked with his bride. He then worked at the Findlay water treatment plant. He retired as a Steam Engineer after 28 years with Whirlpool Corporation.

Jim spent his life doing things he loved. He spent many days hunting with his boys and camping. He created unforgettable memories with his family while traveling across the United States with a station wagon and pop-up camper every summer. He traveled extensively and was able to fulfill his dreams of walking on the Great Wall of China, visiting the Great Barrier Reef, and spending winters in Arizona. He also enjoyed the simple things in life, such as having a cup of coffee with his buddies at Wilson's every day and playing with his fur babies, Alfie, Bella, and Sammy, over the years.

Loving unconditionally and generously extending grace was Jim's core belief. He attended Harvest Time Chapel, Vanlue, for 25 years, where he became an Ordained Minister and spent time as an Assistant Pastor. He spent his remaining 30 years as a member of Findlay First Assembly of God. Throughout Jim's life, he would look for needs and fill those needs quietly and humbly. Over the years, he served as a board member, Sunday School teacher, van driver, and men's breakfast cook. He looked forward to his Wednesday morning Men Alive Bible Study at College First. He also completed mission trips to Mexico and Uruguay and served on many Emmaus Ministry teams. As an active member of Bill Glass ministries, he shared the love of Christ with thousands of men in prison.

Jim's legacy will be the faith and hope in his Savior, Jesus Christ, that he shared with everyone who crossed his path. He always saw life with an eternal view and loved God first, his family second, and then his church family. He knew no strangers and had the ability to make everyone feel loved. His favorite verse was Psalm 37:25, which held true throughout his life walking with Christ.

Visitation for family and friends will be 12-4 and 5-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, until the time of Jim's funeral at 11 a.m. at Findlay First Assembly of God Church, 124 Ash Avenue, Findlay. Pastor Glen Hammons will officiate. Burial will follow at Knollcrest Cemetery, 18005 State Route 12, Arcadia, Ohio, 44804, east of Findlay.

Memorials may be made to Findlay First Assembly of God Church, 124 Ash Avenue, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.