Born in August of 1943, in Port Lambton, John William Johnston, lovingly known as “Jay,” passed away peacefully, with his family at his side on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the age of 82. He was a deeply beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, father, and papa.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Claudette (Peltier); his devoted daughters Tammy and Jennifer; and his cherished grandchildren Sydney, Averey, and Cameron — or as he preferred to call them Syd, Booboo, and Bud. He is also survived by his twin sister Jean (Louis) English, Dan Mullen, Peter (Margie) Johnston, Sherry (Bill) Vandevenne, Terry (Ron) Castaldi, Ron Peltier, and Rick (Delores) Peltier along with his best friend (and self-proclaimed tour manager of “Captain Bird & the Martins”) Phil Johnston.
Predeceased by his parents Jack and Elizabeth Johnston, brothers Larry (Nancy) Johnston, Donny (Louise) Johnston, sisters Betty (Norm) Brandon, Peggy Mullen, Pene (Orville) Moore, Mary Ellen (Jack) Charron. Also predeceased by mother and father-in-law Clarissa and Donat Peltier, Shirley (Jim) Blair, Patricia (Louis) Ouellette, Mary-Lou (Doug) Flenniken, Joan Peltier, and Robert Peltier.
Jay leaves behind a legacy defined by love, laughter, and quiet kindness. He taught all of us the true meaning of selflessness. He would quite literally give the snap-up shirt off his back to anyone in need — but had a distinct preference to do so anonymously. If you were ever on the receiving end of one of those quiet gestures or random acts of kindness, you know exactly the kind of man he was.
Dad loved the outdoors and could happily pass countless hours tinkering around the farm, focused on whatever special project had captured his attention that day. If you ever phoned Pops and even casually mentioned a project you were thinking about undertaking, you could set your watch by him. Within minutes, you’d hear him pulling into your driveway, armed with an assortment of tools, trinkets, parts, and pieces he had saved up for just such an occasion. Without fail, whatever clever contraption Dad would rig together would be the perfect solution to the problem at hand.
He proudly carried on his family’s farming tradition, building his own home and raising his family on the same 50 acres of land where his parents had raised him along with his ten siblings. That land held generations of memories, love, pride and hard work. A legacy he was proud and determined to know would continue on for generations to come.
One of dad’s favourite ways to spend a summer afternoon was sitting pond-side on his swing, carefully studying his Purple Martins. He always had plans in the works — a never ending list of small tweaks and thoughtful improvements he felt sure to attract additional Martins, and ensure their supreme comfort throughout their stay.
Pops remained our guardian until the very end. He left us with very specific instructions on how we should mourn him: “You can cry and be sad when I’m gone — but not too much crying and don’t be too too sad.” He also made sure we knew how important it was to him that we continue looking after one another once he could no longer keep watch himself.
A proud member of Local 663 in Sarnia, Jay worked as a pipefitter and spent his career seeing and working in nearly every Canadian province. The friendships and connections Dad forged on those right of ways have endured until his final days.
Dad fought his most recent health challenges with incredible strength, determination, and an ever-present smile, all with one goal in mind — getting back home to be with the people he loved. He inspired many with the unwavering effort and quiet courage he showed in pursuit of that goal.
He touched millions — quite literally — with his Christmas spirit. In December 2025, a simple moment shared online captured his sweetest, most heartfelt rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, bringing smiles and warmth to people far beyond those who had the joy of knowing him personally. Dad received hundreds of cards and personal notes from around the world celebrating the extraordinary person that he was, that was perfectly captured in a 30 second video.
Jay’s life was deeply rooted in faith, and his strong commitment to it grounded him throughout his years, guiding him with quiet strength and grace.
Jay’s presence lives on in the family he loved, the friends and neighbours whose lives he quietly touched, and the land he tended and called home. His impact can be felt in the community he was part of and in the everyday acts of kindness he shared so freely. He will be remembered in these places, and in the hearts of all who knew him.
As a family, we cannot adequately express our gratitude to our “Rehab Family” on the 3rd floor of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance. Your compassion, your care and your love for dad meant the world to all of us. You will forever hold a special place in all of our hearts.
Family and friends will be received at Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Monday December 29th from 4-6 and 7-9. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Port Lambton, on Tuesday December 30th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jay’s honour may be made to the Sacred Heart Food Bank or the Chatham Kent Hospice as a reflection of his generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca
“May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
