In Loving Memory of 
Jim Johnston
age 88 
Lovingly remembered by his wife Ruby,  
daughters Brenda, and Pam (Elmer), 
Ruby’s family, and their families. 

Died
October 4, 2024
Bayside Personal Care Home
Killarney, Manitoba 

Memorial Service
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Wheatland Chapel
Killarney, Manitoba
2:00 p.m.

Interment~ Killarney Cemetery

Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Killarney United Church Box 9 
Killarney, Manitoba R0K 1G0.

 

My husband, our father, our friend... Jim, passed away peacefully October 4, 2024 at the Bayside Personal Care Home in Killarney, Manitoba at the age of 88.

He was born on the farm homestead near Lena, Manitoba, to Alex and Anne Johnston, February 7, 1936. Jim was the oldest of 3 sons, all growing up on the farm, his hardworking principles ingrained. After high-school, he moved to Winnipeg to take a mechanical course at Musker Engineering. Jim loved to dance. He stayed in Winnipeg for a while to teach dancing lessons after taking classes at Fred Murray Dance studio. He once told me... “I feel so alive when I dance!” 

After a short stint in the city, Jim returned to the Killarney area, and purchased his mixed farm located on Long River Road. In due time, he met and married his first wife, Judy Crawford, November 2, 1957. Like most homes of that time, there was no running water and outdoor shanty’s were the norm. Over the years, he ripped up floor boards running the pipes for water and sewer. One winter, he built new kitchen cabinets. A sunny porch another time. 

Jim was skillful at fixing machinery and welding. There was ALWAYS something that needed fixing, sharpening or rebuilding. He designed and built his own haying machine, which he used to pick up loose hay for his cattle. Once he had an idea, he ran with it. Pretty amazing considering there was no You-Tube videos at that time.

Somewhere in all his busyness, his union with Judy resulted in 2 daughters, Brenda and Pam.
Recreation was pretty limited, revolving around square dancing and the occasional drive-in movie. Sunday drives were relaxing, as long as it did not involve swimming... Jim hated the water. I remember something about a boat, he built... Not everything was a masterpiece.

As sometimes happens, this marriage broke down in the late 70’s. 

Jim continued to square dance, eventually meeting Ruby Johnson. They were married on February 4th, 1984. These two were like peas in a pod. I often heard “they are such a cute couple.” Ruby had a huge family, every single one of them welcomed Jim with open arms. He felt so included and loved. I am not sure who looked after who the best. Ruby was an excellent cook and companion. There was always Tupperware filled with cookies, and cakes. And don’t forget the chocolate! Jim had numerous pranks and liked to be a tease. He would grumpily comment with a “Are you back again?” but would give the biggest hugs when it was time to go.  

The movie camera! Another technology for his always active brain to latch onto. His camera went everywhere, officiating various community events. Home movies, anyone?

After retiring from the farm, Jim and Ruby moved into Killarney. Dad bought his first computer, he picked it up like he was born with a keyboard in his hand. He loved his computer, traveling the world on the internet, exchanging jokes with all his email contacts. You-Tube quickly became a Must-Do…

When Grandma died, Dad (Jim) asked me if I would miss him, as much as he missed her.
The answer is an unmistakable YES.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Alex and Anne Johnston, his brother, Fred (Carol), by stepsons: Keith Johnson, Mel Buydens, Hugh Moffat, stepdaughters: Pat McDonald, Linda Moffat, step-granddaughter: Lisa Simpson.

He is survived by his wife Ruby, daughters: Brenda, Pam (Elmer), brother: Bob (Jacky), niece: Carla (and family), nephew: Jason (and family), stepdaughters: Sharon Buydens, Laverne Johnson, LaVonne Johnson, stepson: Jim McDonald, grandchildren: Jegar, Sarah (Dewayne), Lindsay, step grandchildren: Sherri-Lynn, Valerie, Michelle, Michael, Scott, Bradley, great grandchildren: Ethan, Daniel, Ezra, Zoey, Jozy, Dezi, and many, many step great grandchildren. Sister-in-law Tena Welsh.

The family would also like to thank the Bayside Personal Care Home for their exceptional care.