James A. Johnston, two days shy of 96, at peace with Christ May 6, 2026. Native of Tubercurry, Co. Sligo, Ireland. Beloved husband of Mary Margaret nee Shea for 64 loving years.

Cherished father of 9: Mary Ellen, Kathleen (Frank) Gorkis, Eileen (Pat) McMahon, Margaret (Chris) Heflin, Jim (Becky), Rosalie (Peter) Heneghan, Joan (Jeff) Lewis, Liz (Patrick) Lawlor and Tricia (Michael) McCann. Loving grandfather of 23: Brendan, Ian (Bianca) and Ryan Gorkis; John (Hayley), Liz and Kevin (fiancee Brooke) McMahon; Maeve, Molly and Jack Heflin; Sean and Matt (fiancee Amanda) Johnston; Maura, Fiona and Julia Heneghan; Owen, Aidan and Shea Lewis; Grace, Declan and Nora Lawlor; Megan, Clare and Michael McCann. Great-grandfather of Teagan, Christian and Caleb McMahon. Dear brother of 14: Owen and Joan Casey; the late Mary Oates, Joe, Eugene, Sr. Mary Ellen, Edward, John, Michael, Vincent, Sr. Marie Eugene, Kathleen Imrie, Eileen Browne and Agnes Johnson. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Wonderful friend and neighbor of many.

Longtime resident of Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood. U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Proud City of Chicago IBEW Local 9 Lineman. Dedicated volunteer for many years at Lutheran General Hospital and the Irish American Heritage Center. 

Visitation 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Colonial Funeral Home, Peter Heneghan Director, 8025 W. Golf Rd., Niles. Family and friends will meet Saturday at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Woods Church 6955 N. Hiawatha Ave., Chicago. Funeral Mass will be live streamed at link below. Interment with Military Honors at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a random act of kindness in memory of Jim.

Funeral information 847-581-0536 or colonialfuneral.com