James "Jim" Johnston

James "Jim" Johnston of Dauphin, Manitoba passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the age of 95 years.

Jim was born on July 10, 1930 on the family farm that was homesteaded in 1907, just north of Dauphin to Jennie (Archer)and Westley Johnston.

He was known for being a prankster growing up and enjoyed playing tricks on his mother and siblings and being the clown whenever he got a chance.  

He met the love of his life, Jeanne Cleaver, when he was working for Manitoba Hydro in the 50's up in Swan River. He was up on a hydro pole one day and saw her walk by and gave her a whistle.

On December 26, 1953 they were married at the family farm. They were blessed with 4 children, Tim, Jeff, Shannon and Heather. 

Jim joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1954. He trained and worked as a Communications Radio Officer. He was posted to CFB Bordon, Ontario, CFS Alert on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut and CFB Shilo, Manitoba until he retired.  He had the privilege of being one of the corner honour guards at Kingston Ontario on several Remembrance Day services which he was very proud of.

They moved back to Dauphin in 1973 to raise their family and look after ailing parents.  Jim was an excellent small motor mechanic and opened his own garage. His passion for shooting lead him to a Certification as a Coach for gun ranges, running Dauphin Gun Club, and coaching Dauphin Air Cadets.  He also was asked to coach in California for the Summer Olympics and BC for the Western Canada Summer Games shooting competitions.  Which were big highlights for him. He spent time up in the Yukon, as he acquired a small gold claim which he worked by hand, panning for gold and he did find some treasures.  That is where he earned the name “Klondike Jim”. He also went to the North Yukon, where he taught small motor mechanics to the Dene First Nation peoples. He loved camping and fishing with family, sharing his love for outer space and the outdoors. He had a great passion for music, whether that be piano or harmonica, he could play almost any instrument by ear. His singing and musical talents lead him to becoming a long-time member of the Barbershop Keystone Chorus in Dauphin.  Where he enjoyed performing in many concerts and events. Making many lasting friendships.

He and family became  members and volunteers of the Thresherman’s Reunion in Austin MB, working yearly on his Grandfather Hiram Archer’s 1928 Oil Pull Rumbley tractor and showing it in the daily parade and while there he enjoyed  “Jamming” with the local bands.   It was a great honor and joy of his to pass that tradition to his son and family.  The “Rumbley” lives on.

Jim’s life was full of love, faith, family and many wonderous adventures.  We give thanks for 95 years of memories, lessons and love.

He is predeceased by his parents Westley & Jennie Johnston, his loving wife Jeanne Johnston, his brother Robert (Bob) Johnston, son Robert Jeffrey (Jeff) Johnston and Grandson James Humberstone.

He is survived by his, children Tim (Ethel) Johnston, Shannon (Dave) Rempel, Heather (Bob) Humberstone, grandchildren Cherise Johnston (Joe), Sean Johnston, Lucas Johnston (Taylor), Amanda Fulcher (Mike), Rebecca Humberstone (Kieran), Jeffrey Humberstone and great grandchildren Jessilyn Dunn (Dylan), Kaylee Fulcher, Madisyn Fulcher (Graham ) and great granddaughter Ridley Johnston and great-great granddaughter Alaia Dunn.   His sister Joyce Combs, nephews Micheal Noyce (Paula), Steven Combs (Tori), Robert Johnston, Stuart Johnston, sister-in-law Jean McLeod.

A Funeral Service was held for Jim on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 pm from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin with Pastor Scott Allen officiating.  

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial or a Charity of One's Choice.

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