James Charles Johnston

James "Jim" Johnston age 81 of Detroit Lakes, MN died July 14, 2024. Jim was born February 13, 1943 in Portland, Oregon. He married Kathy Krebsbach on June 29, 1968 in Ogema, MN and recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Jim had many great memories of growing up in Ogema and gained the nickname “Ogemamaniac.” Jim graduated from Waubun, MN in 1961, attended MSU and worked at Nels Vogel Music where he learned how to repair band instruments. Later he opened Lakes Musical Repair in Detroit Lakes eventually adding retail sales. In 2004 he moved his shop to his residence where he continued to do repair. 

Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed life with hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling, skiing, biking, playing racquetball, baseball, and volleyball. Before moving to Long Lake, Jim built (with some volunteer help) a cabin on Strawberry Lake, a family favorite for fishing, pontooning, and time with their friends. One of his best-loved places was Snellman; sometimes it would be with families cross-county skiing, and other times it was woodcutting, building, playing cards, fishing, and deer hunting. 

Jim is survived by his wife Kathy, a daughter Gina Adamski of Detroit Lakes, and a son Robert (Robb) and his wife, Kristina Johnston, of Hastings, MN and their daughters Harriet and Eloise. Also, he is survived by his siblings: Craig (Gurine) Johnston and Brian Johnston of Detroit Lakes; Barb (Ron) Grefsrud of West Fargo, Eugene (Cheryl) of Albany, Oregon, and a sister-in-law Colleen Johnston of Big Lake, MN; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nephews and great-great nieces and a great-great grandnephew. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Ann (Nonnie) Johnston; his sister, Annete Pawlak, and his brothers, Wayne Johnston and Gerard (Jed) Johnston.

Jim had an infectious laugh which could make everyone smile. He loved life and lived it to his fullest. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

 The memorial service for Jim Johnston will be held at David-Donehower Funeral Home, 609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11 AM with Father Nathan Brunn officiating. Memorial visitation will be one hour prior. 

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com, or call (218) 847-4147.