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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
JOHNSTON, James Raymond (Jim) - James, better known as Jim and to some referred to as Jimmie, having conquered many health battles in his 88 years of life, lost his last battle in the early hours of February 11, 2022. While he gave it a valiant effort out of the sheer desire to stay with the true love of his life, his wife Mary, the calling home was too strong this time and his heart was too weak to fight. He passed peacefully after having had many conversations with those who had passed before him, who had clearly come to make the passage easier. Jim was born in Central Bedeque, Prince Edward Island. He was the fifth child of 13, all of whom are strong, bright, and devout in their faith with witty senses of humor and the ability to tell a great story. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Dunstan's and upon graduating moved to the west coast while in the Canadian Navy. He brought his new bride with him and over the next 10 years they increased the population of many of the Canadian provinces with their 7 lovely children. Jim later left the Navy and spent the remainder of his career working as an accountant predominantly in the construction arena. Jim never had a hard time making friends anywhere he went. He had the gift of being able to talk to anyone, friend, family or stranger. He was never at a loss for words and loved to be the center of attention. He enjoyed anyone with a sense of humor and a zest for life. In his late 40's dad would often like to visit neighbors which led him to meeting a new group of friends that would meet up in the church basement on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dad was very proud of his AA membership and attributed the positive change in his life to the friendships he made there. Our dad lived his best life. He was most happy with a horse racing program in his hand, a Blue Jay or Maple Leaf game on the TV, really any sport with a Canadian team playing, but most importantly our mom at his side. He'd always have "a couple, three" cookies in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. We give thanks for the life he had, it was longer than we had ever expected. Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary. Dear father of Margaret (Greg), Raymond (Karen), Julie (John), Mary-Beth (Jeff), Colleen (James.) Dear brother to Sister Frances, Leonard (Anne), Robert (Christine). Dear Brother-in-law to Mary Johnston. Predeceased by his parents James Raymond Johnston and Mary Frances Johnston (Bradley) as well as Harold Bradley Johnston, Patrick George Johnston, Donald Timleck, Austin Johnston, Mary (Gerry) Kilbride, John (Miriam) Johnston, Sister Georgina Johnston, Gerald (Lois) Johnston, Eleanor Johnston, Clara (St. Clair) Duffy, Teresa Johnston, Joan Johnston, Loving Papa to Ryan (Jaimee-Lynne), Sarah (Luke), Jeremie, Greg (Danielle), Matthew (Vanessa), Patrick (Rachel), Danielle (Marshall), Bradley (Brooke), Carolyn (Rhys), Laura, Cameron, Adam, Nicholas (Sky), Madeline (Jared), Connor (Bri) Great Papa to Emery, Kylie, Mackenzie, Grace, Colin, Jameson, Lucas, Ruby, Bianca, Giovanni, Skylar and Ember. A special thank you to the amazing staff at Harmony Hills who have always treated our dad as family. Thank you for your patience, support and compassion. Thank you to Lakeridge Oshawa Hospital for your care of our father in his final weeks during this more than challenging time with Covid. You were wonderful. To Karen Parks, you have no idea how impactful your visits were to both dad and us as a family. You have such a caring spirit and kind heart; we were privileged to have you help in dad's care. Last, but never least, Margaret (and Greg) we can never thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for mom and dad. It is only because of you that we could rest easy knowing that you were always there for the doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, and middle of the night ambulance rides just to name a few. You have given so much, know that it has not gone unnoticed. Mary-Beth your concentrated time with dad in Covid central was difficult beyond imagination. Having you with him put his mind at ease and I am certain made a very tough time for him easier. We cannot thank you enough. Sarah, thank you for working so hard at arranging the best of the best for additional support for papa and making sure that he got the best care possible. You have endless energy and apparently cell minutes. Visitation will be held at the Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough (east of Kennedy Rd.) on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance at the visitation will be limited. You may be asked to wait outside once the allowed limit has been reached. A Private Funeral Service will be held in the Ogden Chapel on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Alzheimer Society of Durham. (The Toronto Star 17 Feb 2022)
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