James L. Johnson

In Memory of James L. (Jim) Johnston

James Lewis (Jim) Johnston, of Waterford, Wisconsin, passed away on March 2, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 8, 1946, Jim lived a full, spirited, and unmistakably memorable life. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, strong convictions, generosity, and stories that will be told for years to come. He was preceded in death by his father, James N. (Noel) Johnston, his mother, Lois L. Johnston (nee Kalvog), and his sisters, Grace and Kay.

Above all else, Jim was a proud father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is lovingly remembered by his son, James R. (Jim) Johnston, daughter-in-law Amy, and grandchildren, Katherine (Kate) Johnston and James M. Johnston. He is also survived by his brother Tom, along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry forward many of the memories, laughs, lessons, and love he shared throughout his life.

Jim built a life defined by skill, curiosity, and hard work. He worked as a tool and die maker and engineer for GM, and he later spent more than 30 years in sales in the tooling industry, bringing craftsmanship, intelligence, and determination to everything he did. Jim could fix almost anything, and he rarely considered paying someone to do something he believed he could figure out himself. He took pride in doing things well and had a natural way of connecting with people wherever life took him.

He had a deep love for motorcycles, cars, boats, music, gardening, animals, and travel—interests that reflected both his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He passed along his love for anything with an engine and wheels to his son, Jim, and together they shared decades of motorcycle trips, car races, and countless hours talking about the latest technology and horsepower improvements. Jim also loved to travel and visited many places around the world, always ready for a new experience and a new (often very colorful) story to tell.

Whether he was talking engines, enjoying a favorite song on his cherished Hi-Fi systems, designing and building a custom guitar, tending a garden, spending time around the many animals that called his yard home—his beloved critters—or remembering a place he had been, Jim brought energy, enthusiasm, and heart to the things he loved.

Those who knew Jim will remember him as outgoing, funny, generous, and never short on opinions. He could be stubborn, but he was also deeply sensitive, and he had a fearless way of meeting people and turning strangers into friends. His sense of humor, his bold personality, and the warmth just beneath it all made him someone people genuinely liked to be around and never forgot.

In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, the family asks that you plant a tree or a vegetable in Jim’s memory. Or, do a wheelie or a burnout for him. Nothing could be more fitting for a man who lived with humor, heart, and his own unforgettable style.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Johnson family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home

• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185

• 262-534-2233

• www.stencelfh.com