James Johnston

Jim was born in Penawawa, Washington on the Snake River on February 12, 1937 to Maude and Herold Johnston.

I lost the love of my life August 25th. He passed peacefully at Spokane hospice House. His daughter Michelle and granddaughter Kalista also lost one of the most important individuals in their lives. He was kind, loving and most of all a thoughtful individual. He will be greatly missed by us, but we know that God will have a tremendous individual in heaven. He is now resting in peace.

Jim was an excellent commercial tire salesman which, as his wife, I get reminded of even with his death by all the trophies that hang in our office at home. He worked for Goodyear and then GCR. His customers appreciated his honesty, and at times his humor. Who would have thought that a shy boy from Penawawa would have such a career?

Jim graduated from Colfax High School in 1955 and worked at WSU before being drafted into the Army in 1959. He served in Italy and came home in 1962. He met Sara Wood on a blind date and they were married in 1963. He went on to graduate from Eastern Washington University in 1967. After graduating he went to work for Goodyear and they moved him to California in 1969.

Jim moved back to Spokane in 1973 where his love for their Arabian horses took on a whole new life. His daughter Michelle showed the horses successfully, going to the Canadian Nationals. He enjoyed watching her show her horses, and later showing Dalmatian dogs which she also took to the Nationals. He was always by her side encouraging her.

Jim also joined the YMCA after a massive heart attack in 2004. He worked out faithfully and was told that it helped keep him going.

We will miss him greatly, but always know that he is finally at peace and in a better place.

We would like to thank the individuals at Hospice House of Spokane for their loving care given to Jim in his last week of life. Instead of flowers we would ask that you make donations to Hospice House of Spokane in Jim’s name.

His funeral will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery on September 6th. There will be a Memorial Service on September 28th at First Presbyterian Church.