- Date Of Birth: July 23, 1925
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2014
- State: California
Johnston, James Henry (Jay)
On the morning of October 1, 2014, James passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in San Dimas CA.
James was born in Lake Mills, Wisconsin on July 23, 1925. He was the third of seven children of Edward and Nellie Johnston.
James’ family recalls him saying that he knew what he wanted to do with his life when he was only twelve years old! He wanted to sell things, and his charismatic personality let him do just that.
He sold everything, from encyclopedias and Hormel Hams door to door in his youth, to life insurance, and ultimately, to office equipment with TAB Products, the company he remained with for the rest of his career, moving up the ranks from salesman, to sales manager.
James returned to his home state of Wisconsin after his time in New York but relocated to Milwaukee where he became a taxi driver on the night shift. Many colorful characters and interesting people got to where they needed to go thanks to him.
He took away many interesting stories from his time in the cab. He also took away a wife, whom he met while on duty one long night.
James and his wife, Ivenelle, raised two daughters, Cathy, and Nancy, who both went on to become Registered Nurses. At mid-life, they took in and raised a granddaughter, Colette, who had special needs due to a visual impairment.
Colette recalls him saying that he looked upon her as a third daughter and she looked up to him as her father. They remained very close throughout his life.
James kept very active after he retired from TAB Products, walking and playing golf on a regular basis.
Later in his life, James met his soulmate, Joyce, and they were blessed with many happy years together.
James loved Shakespeare, and took classes on the subject well in to his later years. He enjoyed traveling with his class to all the local playhouses to see Shakespeare plays. He loved practicing the material in front of the family so they could see his progress in becoming a dramatic speaker, reciting speeches and sonnets without a flaw.
James greatly admired Abraham Lincoln and often quoted him. One of his favorite quotes (and the family’s favorite), is, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nellie; his sister, Violet (Dole); his brother, Edward; his wife, Ivenelle; and his darling, Joyce.
James is survived by his daughter, Cathy Bell; his daughter, Nancy Chidester; his granddaughter, Colette (& Ray) Bell/Grewe; his grandson, William (& Michelle) Chidester; his grandson Daniel Chidester; his grandson, Jason Chidester; his great-granddaughter, Maya Faith Chidester; and his brothers: Robert Johnston, Samuel Johnston, Michael Johnston and Glen Johnston.
Riverside, CA 92518
Very special thanks go to his daughters, Nancy and Cathy (but especially Nancy), for their care of their father during his final years.
