James Reid Johnston

There is a Scottish proverb that states “Scottish by birth, British by law, a Highlander by the grace of God.” Though he was a Lowlander by birth, otherwise this was James “Jimmy” Johnston, a Scotsman who loved his homeland and its heritage. Congenial and charming, full of life, Jimmy was well known and well liked. With his warm Scottish brogue, and his strong opinions, Jimmy brightened the days for those around him.

The city of Glasgow, the industrial heart of the country, lies in the south central part of Scotland. In the year 1914, a smaller community called Rutherglen - now a part of Glasgow – was the home of Robert and Mary (Reid) Johnston. Rutherglen was then famous for its horse fairs and was also a hub for heavy industry. Robert worked as a railway porter while Mary cared for their home and their young daughter, Mary, named after her mother. They were delighted when, on September 9, 1914, their son, James Reid, was born. James, or “Jimmy” soon became big brother to Robert and Helen and the family managed to enjoy happy days despite living under the rigors of World War I and the great influenza epidemic that followed.

Jimmy grew up in Rutherglen and, like many boys, loved being near the water. He spent many happy hours playing around the River Clyde, the third longest river in Scotland. His schooling started at the McDonald School, where he developed his lifelong love for learning, chiefly taking pleasure in reading, writing, and drawing. From there he attended the Gallowflat School on Hamilton Road, which had been built in 1915, the year after he was born.

But family conditions thwarted his ambition to begin training as an engineer, and Jimmy left his formal education to find a job. After trying his hand at several different occupations in a grim post-war economy, Jimmy finally landed a job at the Clyde Paper Mill, just outside of Rutherglen. While working at the paper mill, Jimmy met a beautiful young lady named Eliza Arnold. “Bessie,” as she was known to her friends, took a liking to young Jimmy and the feeling was mutual. A romance soon blossomed and the two were married on June 16, 1937 in Glasgow. They honeymooned at the Scottish resort of Leven. But Scotland, like the rest of the world, having suffered through the Great Depression, found itself moving inexorably toward another war. And when it came, Jimmy joined the Territorial Army – much like our National Guard – and served in England during World War II.

In 1942, Jimmy was overjoyed when his son Arnold was born. Now called “Arnie,” he was his father’s boy and the two shared a strong father-son bond. The new Johnston family continued to live in Rutherglen until 1951 when they crossed the Atlantic, heading for Detroit, Michigan. Bessie had family in Detroit and she and Jimmy hoped for better jobs and a new start. They made their journey aboard the ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth I, landing in Manhattan, New York. After taking a cab to Grand Central Station, Jimmy, Bessie and Arnie took a nine-hour train ride to Detroit. Here, they set up housekeeping on the east side with Bessie’s great aunt, Matilda “Tillie” Findlay.

Jimmy supported his family working for the I.L. Huck Manufacturing Company. He remained a loyal employee until his retirement in 1979, at the age of 65. After his retirement, he and Bessie moved to St. Clair Shores. Even though he was retired, Jimmy had many hobbies and interests to keep him busy. He loved music, especially Scottish music, and when they all gathered for family parties, he and Bessie were right up there, dancing and singing with all their hearts. As much as he enjoyed singing, Jimmy much preferred listening to Arnie sing the songs of his homeland—as well as popular American music. Jimmy who had played soccer in his youth and become a skilled lawn bowler in his years at the paper mill, continued his love of sports in his later years. He enjoyed a good game of golf - especially if it was followed by a cold glass of beer. While living in Detroit, he became a Mason and rose to the level of Grand Master in his lodge. To keep his mind sharp, Jimmy did crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Mysteries, non-fiction – you name it — Jimmy liked to read it. When finished with a book, he often passed it along to his son.

He was a self-educated man, and had very strong opinions about life – opinions he was always happy to share. His love of sports, especially the Scottish soccer teams and the local Detroit teams, sustained him when he was no longer able to participate actively. Until recently, he watched the international soccer games on television and knew the names of all the players on the Glasgow Rangers, his favorite team, and the various international teams around the world.

In 1986, Jimmy suffered a heart attack, so in 1990, he and Bessie decided to move closer to their son, Arnie. Sadly, Jimmy’s beloved Bessie passed away in 1995. They had been married for 58 years. It was difficult for Jimmy, but with the love and support of his son and his family, life went on. Recently, although no longer able to play golf, Jimmy still enjoyed the game by riding along with Arnie as he played. His later years were immeasurably brightened by living next door to Arnie and Debby, by visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and by his correspondence with his niece in Scotland, Moira Smith.

Scottish through and through, Jimmy Johnston brought warmth and good cheer to the lives of those around him. A talented and gifted man, he will be greatly missed.

James Reid Johnston died November 7, 2007 at Rose Arbor Hospice. The family is hosting an open house on Saturday from 12 noon – 4:00 PM at The Marlborough (471 W. South St #102). He was preceded in death by his wife Bessie Johnston and by 3 siblings: Mary, Robert and Helen. Members of his family include his son Arnie (Debby) Johnston of Kalamazoo; 2 grandsons: Edward (Karen) Dzialowski of Dallas, TX and Andrew (Amy) Dzialowski of Stillwater, OK; 3 great grandchildren: Ella, Zoe and Bennett and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Please visit Jimmy’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Jimmy, sign his online guest book or make memorial contributions to the New Vic Theatre, The Department of English at WMU, or Rose Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, Betzler, Kalamazoo 375-2900.