James Johnston

James Gowan Johnston III, better known as Skip, lost his courageous battle with cancer and died Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Mid-Western Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois at the age of 60 years. Skip was born on February 15, 1952 to James Gowan and Rosemary (Wiesing) Johnston II in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Belleville High School where he participated in football, basketball, and golf. He graduated with the Class of 1970. He was united in marriage to Mary Jo Pfannenstiel on June 22, 1974 at Norton, Kansas. Skip worked for C.A. Picard in Belleville as a sales representative and driver. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville where as a young adult he served as an altar boy. He was also a member of the local Knights of Columbus. Skip was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. His greatest joy was the adoption of his two daughters, because he made the choice to devote his life to them. Family was paramount in Skip's life, and he always found a way to make gatherings memorable. He was an avid outdoorsman; he loved hunting, camping, fishing, and all things involving nature. He was also a diehard Jayhawk fan and loved watching KU basketball. Skip will be forever remembered by his wife of 37 years, Mary Jo Johnston, Belleville; daughters Kari Johnston, Portland, OR and Kelly Johnston and Brad Chancellor, Eudora, KS; his siblings Dr. Lawrence Johnston, Chambersburg, PA, Bob (Darlene) Johnston, Branson West, MO, Judy (Phil) Hutchison, Rayville, Mo, and Mark Kay (Richard) Hobson, Ozawkie. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville, Kansas with Father Barry Brinkman officiating. Cremation followed the services and the family will have a private inurnment at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Sip Johnston Memorial Fund. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas was in charge of these arrangements.