Katie was born August 27, 1926, on a farm in Prairie Home, Missouri, and was the sixth of eight children. She would be the first to say she came from humble beginnings, stating they were “dirt poor, but rich because we had each other – the best kind of upbringing.” Her skill in living thriftily, learned at an early age, served her well throughout her life. Katie graduated from St. Peter’s High School and Capital Commercial College, where she majored in business. In 1944, when it was popular for women to become teachers or nurses, Katie saw a future in business.
While attending college, Katie worked at a local restaurant to make ends meet. As fate would have it, a handsome young US Navy sailor from Oxnard, California, Jim Johnston, was also in Missouri attending diesel engine school, and frequented the restaurant. It was a love story for the ages as he captivated her heart and swept her off her feet. They were married May 4, 1946 in Jefferson City, Missouri, and Jim proudly announced to the Oxnard Press Courier that he was “bringing his new bride home to Oxnard”.
As they settled into married life in Oxnard, Jim worked for Shell Oil and Katie started a job at the County of Ventura as “extra help.” Shortly thereafter, she was offered a full-time position in the Auditor Controller’s office, located on the first floor of the Ventura County Courthouse. Katie was eventually promoted to the Tax Collector’s office and became a clerk supervisor, at a time when Ventura County’s tax bills were written by hand.
Katie was gifted in money and finance management and her skills and talents were quickly apparent and appreciated in the Ventura County’s Treasurer Tax Collector’s office. Under the leadership and mentoring of Ventura County’s Tax Collector, Bob Branch, Katie was promoted to Assistant Treasurer Tax Collector and served as Chief Deputy Tax Collector for many years.
In 1984, Katie was appointed as Ventura County Treasurer, Tax Collector and Public Guardian and subsequently won the position through election. A photo documenting the swearing-in ceremony shows five officials taking their oath of office…Katie…surrounded by four men (Superintendent of Schools; Auditor Controller; Assessor; and the Ventura County Sheriff). This picture quietly speaks to Katie’s pioneering spirit, fearless approach to community service, and her accomplishments as a brilliant woman and public servant. Katie lead the Treasurer Tax Collector Public Guardian’s office until she retired in 1988. Her legacy of leadership is highly regarded still today in Ventura County government, and by so many whom she mentored over the years.
While working her “day job” at the County, Katie and Jim began the first of their legendary business endeavors, becoming pioneers in the development of both the Ventura and Channel Islands harbors. In the early 60’s, they partnered with local businessman and building contractor, Wayne Troxel, to build the Channel Clipper, later known as the Whale’s Tail, an upscale, destination restaurant in the Oxnard Harbor. The success of the Johnston/Troxel collaboration began a deep friendship and lifetime partnership that changed the landscape of Ventura County.
Driven by Jim’s love for the ocean and vision for the future, Katie and Jim became part of a movement to create the Ventura Port District. With the idea for a marina and a water inlet, the Ventura Marina and the Ventura Keys were imagined. Together, they leased six acres in the soon to be created Ventura Marina. Their tireless efforts developed the Scotch and Sirloin Restaurant (a popular nightspot attraction for the Ventura Marina), a sportfishing business, boatyard facilities, and yacht sales. They also established Marine Mechanical, later known as Buccaneer Marine, to serve the booming oil business, and moored that fleet of boats in the Ventura Marina. The Diesel Equipment Company in Ventura was also developed to support the growing need for marine diesel engine repair. As these pioneering business ventures grew, Jim would tell everyone, including the Ventura County Star, that Katie was the “brains of the outfit”.
As long-time seafarers and lovers of the open ocean, Katie and Jim became lifetime members of the Ventura Yacht Club, joining in 1948. In keeping with her skills and enjoyment, Katie served as Treasurer of the Ventura Yacht Club’s board of directors, and tirelessly raised funds for related causes. Katie has the honor of holding the Yacht Club’s longest membership, and will long be lovingly remembered there.
Katie’s commitment to public service was matched only by her determination to improve the lives of others. In 1950, with a small group of Ventura County employees, Katie began the Ventura County Credit Union. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the hallway of the courthouse, this small group of volunteers with a vision for the future, took turns during their lunch hour accepting deposits from Ventura County employees. Today, “her” Ventura County Credit Union boasts close to $1 billion in assets and nearing 80,000 members. When the Ventura County Credit Union established its foundation in 2016, Katie became a founding member in support of its mission to provide financial assistance and education to the community she loved so much.
Katie enthusiastically supported Jim’s love for antique cars, especially Austin Bantams, and together joined numerous car clubs, went on countless car runs, and attended car shows making new friends wherever they went. Always by Jim’s side, Katie never knew a stranger and enjoyed the miles they traveled together.
Through the years, Katie’s commitment to community included serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Retired Employees Association of Ventura County, President of the California Tax Collector’s Association, and serving on the Alzheimer’s Association Ventura County Chapter. Among her many accolades through the years, Katie was named Business Woman of the Year, recognized by the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, and often featured in articles in the Ventura County Star.
Katie will always be remembered for her care of others, and the laughter and good times she brought wherever she went. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jim Johnston, and their daughter Mary Johnston. Katie is survived and forever loved by her grandson, Steve Faist and great-grandson, Gauge Faist; granddaughter, Sheri Lewis and husband Kurt; sister, Mary Louise Williamson; brother, Jerome Klein; many nieces and nephews, and countless special people whom she made her “family” along the way.
Donations in her memory may be made to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s Hospice Care program, 1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 101, Ventura, 93003.
Burial services and a Celebration of Life will be held privately.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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