Johnston

James R. Johnston Jr., 50, of Sarver, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at West Penn Hospital, with his beautiful wife and perfect children by his side after fighting a courageous 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born Dec. 27, 1975, in Natrona Heights, he was the son of James R. Johnston Sr. and Karen Wagner Johnston.

Jim worked as a machinist for Strutz Fabrication and was co-owner of Kelley’s Family Restaurant in Saxonburg. He enjoyed golfing with all his friends and was a member of the Wednesday golf league. Jim made many friends and had a large impact on the community when he was coach of the Saxonburg Spartans. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Leeanna “Faye” (Kelley) Johnston; his daughter, Michaela (Matthew) Roenigk, of Sarver; his son, James (Olivia Bauer) Johnston III, of Sarver; his mother, Karen Wagner Johnston, of Freeport; one sister, Kelly (Darrell) Dammond, of Cabot; four grandchildren, Lane, Blake, Grant and Willa, and a baby girl on the way. He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Nancy and Jim Love; his sister-in-law, Jamie Love; his brother-in-law, Michael (Melanie) Love; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Johnston Sr.

JOHNSTON — Friends of James R. Johnston Jr., who died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, at FOX FUNERAL HOME, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.

Memorial donations may be made to pancreatic cancer research.

For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.