James (Jim) Clay Johnston was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 31, 1944, to Tracey and Irene Cain Johnston. He died on September 20, 2023, at the age of 79 years, 1 month, and 20 days.
Jim lived in rural Griswold and Grant his entire life. He attended school in Griswold and then worked at the lumberyard with John Jennings, until he decided to pursue his passion for farming.
Jim married Betty Finley on July 29, 1978, in Red Oak, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Peggy, Leslie, and Ben, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. His cats, Socks and Hidey, were always a special part of his life.
Jim was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Griswold. He served on the church council, cemetery board and library board. He loved his shiny machinery, John Deere Tractors, and riding his Gator in town. He enjoyed his ’57 Chevy, tractor pulling, NASCAR, sporting clays, delivering meals in his later years, and having coffee with the guys, as well as with his family and friends. He also enjoyed journaling daily about events, weather, family, and occasional life irks.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Tracey and Irene Cain Johnston, mother-in-law Korine Finely, and brother-in-law Ernie May.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty; children Peggy Sue Henry (John) of Plattsmouth, NE, Leslie Ann Weaver (Craig) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Ben Johnston (Elena) of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Alex (Mike) Downing, Abby (Kayla) Henry, Sarah Weaver, Cale (Sarah) Henry, Benjamin (Jesica) Johnston, Payton Weaver, Anna Johnston, Andrew Johnston, Michael Johnston; 10 great grandchildren; sisters – Pat May and Susan (Jim) Clemmensen, sister-in-law Beverly (Dick) Fuller, brother-in-law Don (Mary) Finley, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life visitation with the family will occur on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Griswold Community Building from 1-4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s name.
