James McKenzie Johnston

James "Jim" McKenzie Johnston, 95, of Lathrup Village, Michigan, passed away on November 15, 2025, from dementia. James was born in Detroit on June 2,1930. He grew up during the Great Depression, the son of Scottish-born parents who first immigrated to Canada and then to the United States in search of a better life for their family.

James attended Northwestern High School in Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Sparkman. They were joyfully married for 68 years. They both attended Wayne State University, where Jim played both football and baseball. During his early years as a pilot for American Airlines, Jim and Mary Jo lived in several cities before settling in Lathrup Village, where they spent 58 years raising their family.

A distinguished serviceman, Jim served in the United States Air Force and the Michigan Air National Guard, rising to the rank of Full Colonel and serving as 171st Fighter Wing Commander at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Twp. His leadership, discipline, and deep sense of duty earned him the respect of all who served alongside him.

Following his military career, Jim became a commercial pilot for American Airlines before founding his own financial advising practice as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), where he dedicated himself to helping families plan their futures. His clients trusted him not only for his expertise, but for his honesty and genuine care.

Jim's competitive spirit and love of sports were lifelong constants. An avid tennis player, he was a Michigan Seniors Champion and could often be found on the court well into his later years. He was also an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan State Spartans.

Jim is survived by his three children, Mark Johnston (Pamela Marvin Johnston), Debbie Blinstrub (Bob Blinstrub), and Doug Johnston; his eleven grandchildren, Jennifer Johnston, McKenzie Johnston BenEliyahu (Jason BenEliyahu), Paul Marvin, Mike Blinstrub (Crissy Blinstrub), Matt Blinstrub (Leah Blinstrub), Rebecca Blinstrub, Rachael Tava (Connar Tava), Blinstrub, Mark Blinstrub, Elena Johnston, James Johnston, and Isabella Johnston. He also survived by his eight great-grandchildren, Abigail BenEliyahu, Josie BenEliyahu, Alexander James Johnston, Henry Blinstrub, Ben Blinstrub, Will Blinstrub, Carolyn Blinstrub, and Rosalie Blinstrub, along with several nieces and nephews.

Born into a large and lively family, Jim is also survived by his youngest sister, Peggy Farrish of Ontario, Canada. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Johnston, his mother, Rebecca Johnston, and his siblings Jack Johnston, Gordon Johnston, Mary Hedges, Doug Johnston, and Donald Johnston.

To all who knew him, Jim was the embodiment of kindness. He treated everyone with respect, spoke no ill of others, and led by quiet, steady example. He also had a warm, gentle sense of humor and a quick wit that could lift the spirits of those around him, often easing tense moments with a well-timed joke or smile. Friends and family alike describe him as honest, gentle, and profoundly loving. His life was a testament to character, humility, and dedication. Jim's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched - with a warm smile, a steady hand, and a life lived with purpose.

May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in peace alongside his Mary Jo.

Service details will be shared with family and friends at a future time.

Donations in the honor of James M Johnston can be made to the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund here.