James A Johnston

James Albert Johnston, 79, of Findlay, passed away at 10:33 pm on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family singing Amazing Grace. Jim was born on November 21, 1943, in Findlay, Ohio, 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 on December 8, 1963. His wife of 59 years survives along with 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. He was also blessed with fifteen grandchildren; David, Heather, Nikki, Jimmy, Stephanie, Jodie Kay, Alex, Mary-Katherine, Gideon, Karen, Grace, Jake, Mitchell, Grant, William, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his 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 a 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 went on to work 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 in Vanlue, Ohio, for twenty-five years, where he became an Ordained Minister and spent time as an Assistant Pastor. He spent his remaining thirty 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 of Jim will be held from 12:00pm – 4:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Findlay First Assembly of God Church, 124 Ash Avenue, Findlay, Ohio. An additional visitation will take place from 10:00am to 11:00am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the church, with Pastor Glen Hammons officiating. Burial will follow at Knollcrest Cemetery, 18005 State Route 12, Arcadia, Ohio 44804, east of Findlay.

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

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

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