W. James "Jim" Johnston

 W. James “Jim” Johnston

Our dear beloved father and grandfather, Jim Johnston, passed away with loved ones surrounding him on November 26, 2024. He was 82 years old. He was a prominent local businessman and real estate broker. He was well known throughout the community for his service and his generous helpful attitude. When anyone asked how he was doing, he always enthusiastically said, “Fantastic!” – and he was. He was a deeply happy man and enjoyed life to the fullest with his cheerful personality.

Our father was born in Twin Falls, Idaho April 18, 1942 to Peter B and Ruth Brown Johhston. He had one older brother, Pete. Jim developed his work ethic and priceless life lessons on the family dairy farm where he milked cows each day until he left for college. He passed this work ethic on to his children for which they are grateful.

Jim graduated from the University of Idaho where he was elected Student Body President, and President of FarmHouse Fraternity and graduated as The Distinguished Senior. It was while at college our father met a darling blue-eyed blonde named Karen Sundrud from Ely, Nevada. He admired her courage and spunk. After graduating together, they were married a week later in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18, 1965.

After graduation, Jim taught Seminary and Institute classes for the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He taught in Ogden, Utah then in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 1971 he moved to Pocatello to teach at the Institute of Religion adjacent to Idaho State University. Jim and Karen found the city they knew they wanted to live in and remained in Pocatello permanently.

He was awarded a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University. Jim started selling real estate in 1972, eventually owning a real estate office. He sold thousands of homes over the decades and was a much-respected member of the REALTOR(R) community serving as local Board President and as President of the Idaho Association. He served on several local, state, and national Boards such as being a National Trustee for the REALTOR(R) Political Action Committee. Several times he was awarded REALTOR(R) of the year both locally and for the State of Idaho.

Working in the community brought great happiness to our father, as he thrived on being surrounded by other people who cared greatly for their community. He was a founding member of Citizens Community Bank and President and Chairman of the Board. He was a founder and President of Gate City Rotary Club. He was President of the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and a Pocatello Chief.

He served on the State Historical Board representing the Idaho Governor. He deeply loved ISU and was President of the Bengal Athletic Boosters. But of all his accomplishments and titles, Dad and Grandpa were his favorites. We knew that.

Our father was dedicated to our Savior as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He magnified many callings, including President of the Pocatello West Stake, Bishop, and a counselor to the Idaho Boise Mission President. Our parents served faithfully as workers at the Idaho Falls Temple and the Pocatello Temple for over 14 years. They are proud that their 8 children all served missions, all graduated from college, all married in LDS Temples and all established successful families of their own. Dad touched the lives of so many and set a Christ-like example to those he served. Because of his testimony of the Gospel and faith in the Atonement of our Savior, he truly taught us the meaning of being a child of God. We know that we will be reunited as a family once again.

Jim loved Pocatello and the members of the community with all his heart. He was elected to serve multiple terms as a member of the Pocatello City Council. He was a friend to governors, senators, congressmen and leaders of the local community and served on numerous committees. He enjoyed this part of his life immensely.

Our father is survived by his wife, our mom, Karen and their children: Michael Johnston, Russell Johnston, Suzanne Hobbs, Eric Johnston, Greg Johnston and Jeff Johnston. His daughters Sherri Lynn Horsley and Kristie Wolff preceded him in death. His 24 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren loved and adored their grandpa and will miss him very much.

A viewing will be held the evening before the services on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home 2005 S 4th Ave. On Saturday, November 30, 2024 a viewing will be held at the Pocatello Stake Center at 655 S. Grant Ave. at 10:00 a.m. and the formal services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery.

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