James "Jim" E. Johnston

Jim was born on March 3, 1947 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO to Earl T. Johnston and Delores R. Johnston. His life of service began young as an altar boy in 1958 at St. Therese’s Little Flower Church in Kansas City and was also marked by receiving his Eagle Scout in 1961. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1965 and committed to serve his country by joining the Navy in 1966. During his years of service, he was a reservist and actively served in Vietnam for 2 years aboard the U.S.S. Corry as a Radar Gunfire Control Petty Officer. As a result, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two (2) Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He returned to Civilian life in 1969 to pursue a career with Southwestern Bell (retired Supervisor State Staff 1990) and married his wife Susan L. Atkins-Vance in 1977.

During their 40 year marriage, the couple raised 3 children and Jim set about teaching them the importance of honor, hard work and independence. He supported each child in their individual pursuit of excellence. He coached sports for his oldest daughter, was a Boy Scout Master for his son’s troop #395 and taught the beauty of woodworking to his youngest daughter.

Jim loved John Wayne, using his handyman skills to help others and always enjoyed golfing, gambling and a good shot of Irish Scotch. He was a member of St. Therese Church in Parkville, MO.

He is preceded in death by his father Earl T. Johnston and his mother Delores R. Johnston both of Kansas City, MO. Jim is survived by his wife Susan L. Johnston of Parkville, MO and children Caroline Steele (Robert) of Geneva, IL, Marc Vance of Overland Park, KS and Amanda Muller of Parkville, MO. In addition, he is survived by his brother Robert Johnston (Marsha) of Kansas City, MO, John Johnston (Joyce) of Gladstone, MO and sister Jeanne Johnston of Kansas City, MO. His legacy also includes 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandsons and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 2 at 10 am CST followed by the funeral service at 11:15 am CST at White Chapel Memorial Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Luke’s Hospice House at 3516 Southwest Trfy, Kansas City, MO 64111. The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Luke’s Hospice for their love, kindness and dedication.