James J. Johnston, 74, of Jasper, Missouri, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. James was born January 21, 1952, in Carthage, Missouri, to Harvey Johnston and Louise Ulmer. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam. James received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin and attended welding school in Pittsburg, Kansas. He worked as a dispatcher for Empire and Liberty Electric companies. James was a Shreiner. He was good at math and gardening. James attended his grandchildren’s sports events and was their number one fan! Overall, he loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. James also attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage.
James was united in marriage to Irma Armenta on January 5, 1975, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, Missouri; she survives.
James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Irma; four sons, Gabe Johnston (Kerry) of Webb City, Missouri, Michael Johnston (Kenna) of Oronogo, Missouri, D.J. Johnston (Brook) of Carthage, Missouri, and Lemmie Johnston of Jasper, Missouri; one brother, John Johnston (Hellen) of Manata Springs, Colorado; one sister, Susan Yoder (Ed) of Butler, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Braden Stefan (Sarah), Logan Johnston, Kierstin Johnston, Laney Miller (Matt), Isabelle Johnston, A.J. Johnston, and Hayden Johnston; and six great grandchildren, Rynlee Stefan, Blair Johnston, Lakyn Johnston, Kolson Johnston, Finn Johnston, and Miles Miller.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Louise Johnston.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. (with Holy Rosary @ 5:00 p.m.) Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Jasper, Missouri, following funeral service.
Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
