James R. Johnston, Jr.

James R. Johnston, Jr., 50, of Sarver passed away on  July 21, 2026 at West Penn Hospital with his beautiful wife and perfect children by his side after fighting a courageous ten month battle with pancreatic cancer. 
 
 Born December 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 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 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, Jim and Nancy Love, his sister-in-law, Jamie Love, and his brother-in-law Michael (Melanie) Love and many nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by father, James R. Johnston, Sr. 
 
 Friends will be received on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Fox Funeral Home, Inc., Saxonburg, PA.
      
 Memorial donations may be made to pancreatic cancer research.

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