Russ Segner
JJ Johnston passed away on Friday, May 26 at his home in Bellevue with his wife, Patt, at his bedside. JJ was a friend to many of us in the Fourth Division, a leader and fine model builder. He served many years as the leader of the Eastside Clinic and built it into one of our best attended. He was honored in 2011 with our Golden Grab Iron Award. He had a high regard and respect for his fellow modelers, many of whom became valued friends over the years.
We will remember his great smile, sense of humor and positive attitude. I never heard a cross word from him. We also remember his fine HO layout, The Puget Sound Iron Goat Railway. It was covered with detailed structures and humorous scenes, many of which told a story of their own. He was author of several articles in the Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, had a cover on the Model Railroad Craftsman magazine and a DVD of his layout done by Trackside Model Railroading.
JJ was well known and respected for his work for over 30 years as a real estate professional. JJ was active as an instructor for the Association of Realtors and a member of the Master Builders. He handled the sale and acquisition of our homes twice for my wife, Susan, and me. He brokered several real estate investments for us as well.
He was a valued friend and good companion as we traveled together to model railroad conventions, especially to Colorado as I tried to lure him into narrow gauge.
He is missed.
Al Lowe has a short video tour of JJ’s layout on his YouTube channel here:
I am saddened to hear of JJ’s passing. I first met him when I started going to the Eastside clinic. He was warm, friendly, and an inviting person to lead the clinic. His model railroad was testament to his artistic abilities and modeling skills. As Russ Segner said it well, he will be missed.
David Yadock
We will all miss JJ. He was an outstanding host, modeler and friend. He was always willing to help others. Anyone who met him came away better for it.
Pam and I are saddened to hear of JJ’s passing. He was a wonderful friend who Pam and have known for over thirty years. JJ was a inspiration in that he had the ability, along with his wonderful wife Pat, to build and detail contest winning models. And over the years, many of those wonderful models have found a home on mine and other model railroads. JJ was also a kind and generous person who loved his family. When my father and I discovered our current home in Woodinville, quite by accident, JJ dropped whatever he was doing and showed up at the house within the hour. That was JJ. He will be missed. Steve & Pam Depolo
We were very sad to hear of JJ’s passing last Friday. I first met JJ as the host of the Eastside Clinic. His infectious laugh and sense of humor, along with his ability to draw interesting, timely and informative clinics made me want to attend the Eastside Clinic for as many years as JJ hosted it. During his tenure as host, I saw how JJ built the Eastside Clinic into probably the very best clinic in the 4th Division. He was definitely a contributor and a leader in the 4th Division.
Thoughts and prayers to JJ’s family and Pat. JJ was always a force in the 4th Division Eastside Clinic. When I was Superintendent, he was always helpful. He will be missed greatly.
I didn’t know JJ well, but I truly appreciate the time he spent volunteering for the 4D. I was able to visit his model railroad once and thought it was cool. My condolences to his family and friends.