James Johnston, 79

James (Jim) Clay Johnston, 79, died on Sept. 20, 2023.
Jim was born in Council Bluffs on July 31, 1944, to Tracy and Irene Cain Johnston. 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.  They were blessed with three children, Peggy, Leslie, and Ben; nine grandchildren; and 10 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, Tracy and Irene Cain Johnston; mother-in-law, Korine Finley; and brother-in-law, Ernie May.
 He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty; children, Peggy Sue Henry (John) of Plattsmouth, Neb.; Leslie Ann Weaver (Craig) of Overland Park, Kan.; and Ben Johnston (Elena) of West Des Moines; 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, Oct. 1, 2023, at the Griswold Community Building from 1 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s name.