Obituary of James R. Johnston
James R. ”Jim” Johnston, age 73, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Aurora, IL in 1947 to Bob and Betty Johnston. An only child, he grew up in West Chicago with numerous close cousins. He attended St Francis High School in Wheaton, IL where he met his future wife. At Notre Dame University, he participated in ROTC and studied Communication. In 1969, he graduated, married his high school sweetheart, and was inducted into the Army in the space of two weeks. His two children were born while he was stationed at Fort Riley, KS. After three years of active duty, he left the service and attended Florida State University where he earned a Masters degree in Library and Information Science before moving back to the Chicago suburbs.
Jim touched many lives as he shared his time, talent, and skills for the betterment of the Joliet community. As the director of the Joliet Public Library for more than 33 years, he served the Joliet community, lending his talents to numerous organizations like the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kiwanis Club of Joliet, Joliet/Will County Project Pride (now Project Acclaim), and United Way of Will County. A leader and mentor in the library profession, he supported numerous colleagues and staff in their careers and professional development. He could be counted on to play the devil’s advocate and stand firm for his convictions. His career included awards and honors, including Joliet/Will County Project Pride Community Service Award and induction into the Hall of Pride.
As an avid gamer, he game mastered marathon weekends for his teenagers and their friends, leading to lifelong friendships, trips to gaming conventions, cutthroat rivalries, and long boring stories for non-gamer friends and family. As an avid softball player, he played on Joliet Park District and other recreational league teams before becoming an umpire when he could no longer play. He spent many happy hours rehashing softball with the guys at the Irving Athletic Club. A devoted grandfather, Jim spent hours playing Legos and napping on the floor with his grandchildren.
After retiring, he and Carol split their time between Joliet, where he volunteered at St. Patrick’s Church Food Pantry, and Panama City Beach FL, where he enjoyed the beach and golfing in the winter. Their world travels made it difficult to know where in the world they were at any given time.
Survived by his loving wife Carol; children, Steve (Nicky) Johnston and Julie (John) Milavec; grandchildren, John (Juliet), Rachel, and Luke Milavec; mother-in-law, Mildred Trezza; sister-in-law, Ranna Christenson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents, Bob and Betty Johnston; father-in-law, Al Trezza; and brother-in-law, Al Trezza, Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date for family and friends.
Gifts in Jim’s memory may be made to Friends of the Joliet Public Library, ℅ Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Food Pantry, 710 W Marion St., Joliet, IL 60436, or Joliet Area Community Hospice (http://joliethospice.org), 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite story or memory.
