James V. Johnston's Obituary
James V. Johnston, 91, of Stafford Springs, CT, beloved husband of the late Nancy J. (Peterson) Johnston, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Born in New York, NY, he was the son of the late James F. Johnston and Rose (Murphy) Johnston. James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Following his military service, James began his career as a mason foreman for large construction in Springfield MA and continued with his work building homes, chimneys, and stone walls with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that would define his work throughout his life. He later joined the Connecticut State Police as a trooper and went on to serve with distinction, eventually being promoted to detective with the Major Crimes Squad, where he remained until his retirement.
In addition to his law enforcement career, James enjoyed entrepreneurship with his own business of selling wood stoves. He also remained deeply involved in his community. He served as First Selectman for the Town of Union and later worked as a building inspector for the Towns of Somers and Enfield. He also served as President of the Heritage Farms Condominium Association in Enfield, where he lived for many years. Known for his high standards and strong work ethic, he believed in doing every job the right way and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his family and friends.
James had a lifelong love of golf and was an accomplished amateur player who competed in and won many tournaments across the United States. He especially enjoyed spending winters in warmer climates where he could continue to play the game he loved. He also enjoyed dining out, often visiting Frankie’s Firehouse for pizza or Figaro’s for Zuppa Clams with a glass of red wine or a cocktail.
A man of many interests, James was a lifelong coin collector and had a fascination with airplanes. He enjoyed watching them overhead, flying model airplanes in Arizona and later took up building model rockets to enjoy with his grandchildren. His interest in major crimes continued through his love of reading many crime novels during his retirement.
James had a deep love for his family and treasured the relationships he shared with them. He was also known for his sharp wit, quick wisecracks, and trademark sarcasm that brought laughter to those around him. He enjoyed many vacations and activities with his family making memories in Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, cross country trips to visit family, Red Sox games and UCONN men’s basketball games. He loved Elvis Presley and the music of the rock and roll era and even purchased a life-size cutout of the King dressed in his gold lame’ suit to display in his home. True to his sense of humor, he enjoyed watching visitors jump in shock at the sight of a tall stranger in his living room which made him burst into laughter. He had a well-known sweet tooth, rarely turning down cakes or pastries.
James is survived by his children, Michael Johnston and his wife Lynne, Daniel Johnston, Christopher Johnston and his wife Cindy, Mary Scussell and her husband Robert, Elizabeth Mazza and her husband John, and Joanne Castonguay and her husband Norman. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Johnston and her partner Giovanni, Christopher Johnston, James Johnston and his wife Jess, Sarah Cooney, Ryan Scussell and his wife Alyssa, Erin Scussell, Michael Mazza, Kelly Mazza and her fiancé Johnathan, Jenna Castonguay, Cory Castonguay; a great-grandson, Easton James Johnston; a great-granddaughter expected soon, Lennon Banks Johnston; and his beloved grand dog Brady (“Service Dog B”) who served as a major comfort to him in his final years.
He is also survived by his siblings, Joan Caramante and her husband Frank, Marilyn Dowling, Joseph Johnston and his wife Debbie, Anne Larson and her husband Wayne, his sister-in-law Mary Liz Bunten and her husband Lloyd, along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, James was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Heidi Marie Castonguay.
James will be remembered for his dedication to family, service to his country and community, strong work ethic, and the humor that brightened the lives of those who knew him. His legacy of love, strength, and laughter will live on through his family for generations to come.
Funeral services with burial in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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