James Lloyd Johnston

NEWBURY, Mass. – James Lloyd Johnston, 82, a longtime resident of Saco, died peacefully at his home in Newbury, Mass., on July 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, on Dec. 21, 1943, Jim was the beloved son of Lloyd Aloysius Johnston and Rita (Latreille) Johnston. He later became a proud citizen of the United States, where he spent the latter chapters of his remarkable life.

Jim graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1969 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, he continually embraced new challenges. He began as an electrical engineer in Ontario’s mining industry before moving into the petrochemical industry in Sarnia, where he advanced into leadership roles. Later, he owned and operated a custom cabinetry business in Virginia. Even after “retirement,” Jim simply found new ways to work, first in retail and later returning to kitchen and bath design, where he continued working full-time until the week before his passing.

Jim was a deeply intelligent, private man with a quiet sense of humor and a generous heart. He loved solving problems, fixing things, and working with his hands. Whenever he found himself immersed in a project, family members knew to listen for the familiar sound of him whistling as he worked.

He was an accomplished trumpet player in his youth and loved music throughout his life, especially the great big bands. As a young musician, Jim played in the band that performed at Ottawa Rough Riders football games, beginning a lifelong love of football that eventually found its home with the New England Patriots. Family stories also tell of a young Jim sneaking out to play jazz clubs in Montreal—an adventure that perfectly reflected both his independent spirit and his lifelong love of music.

Jim also had a lifelong fascination with trains. Whether it was real trains, model trains, train whistles, or songs about trains, they never lost their magic for him. He never minded stopping at a railroad crossing to watch a passing train and was always happy to share that sense of wonder with anyone willing to listen.

Jim enjoyed reading and following current events. He held strong convictions, but above all he valued family, loyalty, and home.

His greatest love was his wife, Sheila. Married in 1990, they built a life together grounded in unwavering devotion. Jim affectionately called her “Sheila, my love,” and in countless quiet ways demonstrated what enduring love looks like. Whether through the countless projects he completed, the problems he solved, or simply his steadfast presence, he spent a lifetime caring for the person who mattered most to him.

Jim also cherished the companionship of their beloved cats, Toby and Sam.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; his sons Casey and Timothy, his stepchildren, Kristen, Kimberly, and William; his grandchildren, Liberty, James Cooper, James, Isabella, Jacob, and Emily; and his siblings, Joan, Judy, John, Janet, and Jerry.

Jim’s family takes great comfort in having been able to spend meaningful time with him during his final days. They are especially grateful to the compassionate team at Care Dimensions, whose exceptional Hospice care allowed Jim to remain comfortable at home while surrounded by those he loved most.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes and his quiet nature, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jim worked very hard in this world to ensure that the sum of the little things made a difference for the people he loved. Through every chapter of his life, he met each new challenge with quiet determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. That steadfastness—shown not through grand gestures but through a lifetime of hard work, loyalty, and enduring love—will remain his lasting legacy.

He showed all of us that love is found not only in what we say, but in what we choose to do, day after day, for the people who matter most.

To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit http://www.fsrobertsandson.com.

Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home.