James D. Johnston

James "Jim" Johnston, 83, of Davie, Florida, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, at home with his wife and three daughters by his side. Jim was born on December 23rd, 1938, in Boscobel, WI, to John and Fern (Lynn) Johnston and lived in Rockford, IL, until 1993 when he retired to Roby, MO, where he lived for more than 20 years. In his later years, he moved to South Florida with his wife of 52 years, Pamela (Stone) Johnston. Jim was a graduate of West High School, Rockford, IL, class of 1957. He went on to serve in the United States Navy where he worked with the first IBM computers from 1958-1962, at which time he was honorably discharged. He was an Inspector for Rockford Powertrain (Borg-Warner) and retired after 30 years of strong work ethic and dedication. He was a proud member of UAW Local 803. Believing in labor rights and equality for all. He was a dedicated, life-long Democrat. A caring, brave, humble, strong, funny and gentle soul, he believed in treating everyone with fairness. A strong provider for his family, he also worked as a newspaper carrier for the Rockford Register Star for several years, doing so seven days a week, before going to his full-time job. Jim was full of humor, often a fun-hearted prankster in his younger years, the "chip off the old block, Jimmy Johnston from Wisconsin.” He had a knack for making you laugh, even in his final days, as he made his loved ones smile and laugh.

On Friday, June 13th, 1969, Jim met the love of his life, his soulmate, best friend and confidant Pam. After three days of courtship Jim asked his forever love "Pammy" to be his wife. When he spoke with Pam’s mother he kindly said, "Mrs. Stone, I love your daughter and would like to marry her. I'll be good to her. I am a hard worker and a good American." They were married seven weeks later on August, 2nd, 1969, at South Main Baptist Church. Fifty-two years and five months of marriage followed, up until the day he passed, still holding hands and expressing true love for each other. Though now in Heaven, his love will still beat through her heart.

Jim was a father that his girls could depend on, no matter what time or day for whatever they needed. He enjoyed bowling and partook in many tournaments and also adult junior bowling tournaments with his daughters; he especially loved bowling in the Vegas league with his wife Pam at Don Carter Lanes. He loved to fish and his love for the fishing sport carried over to his two grandsons and daughters. He loved the outdoors, hunting, camping, playing cards and other games, especially Yahtzee. He loved his Philadelphia Phillies, a life-long Phillies fan. He could talk MLB with you for hours, his knowledge for the game and love for the sport ripped past you like a fastball. He was also a NFL Cowboy's fan, he used to say to his twins "they are America's team" as he would sit them down from an early age to watch the games, and the baseball games as well. Jim loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren, enjoying seeing pictures of all of them, even though far away, he smiled and was tickled to see how much they were growing.

Jim lives on in his loving wife, Pam (Stone) Johnston; Daughters; Stephanie Johnston of Roscoe, IL, Heather (Mark) Williams of Roscoe, IL, and Johnalee Johnston of Davie, FL; Brother, Jack (Joanne) Johnston of Loves Park, IL; Brother-in-laws, Joel (Lynn) Stone, George (Juanita) Stone, Terry (Debra) Stone, Tim (Carol), and Brad Stone; Sister-in-laws, Sheila Richards, Karen Ashlock-Friend (Rusty); Grandchildren, Amber DesRoberts, Cameron (Maggie) DesRoberts, Blair DesRoberts, Erin Johnston, Autumn (Arnold) Rojas, Zachary Arnold, Alanna Arnold (Fiancé Nick Mcanally); Great grandchildren, Zayden, Conner, Willow, Maelynn, Isaiah, Amelia and Avery; and many, many, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He is predeceased by his parents, John Johnston and Fern (Lynn) Johnston; Sister, Lois Hodges-Smith, Brother-in-laws, Bruce Hodges, Mitchel Smith, and Leon Ashlock; Father and mother-in-law; Joel F. Stone and Eunice Stone (Johnson); Sister-in-law, Penny Stone; and great nephew, Trevor.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL, 61115 with a visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmgardens.com for the Johnston family.