Readers respond to the passing of OOIDA President Jim Johnston with condolences, memories

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Updated Jan 14, 2018
Jim Johnston (Photo: OOIDA)Jim Johnston (Photo: OOIDA)

Words of condolence and recollection came in response to both the news of the passing of longtime OOIDA President Jim Johnston early this week and Overdrive contributing writer Wendy Parker’s reminiscence of him.

Tom Puckett, commenting on Overdrive‘s Facebook page, remembered the time he “stopped by OOIDA headquarters a few years ago and took the 25-cent tour and got to meet him. He was an excellent advocate for truckers and a nice guy. R.I.P., Mr. Johnston.”

“May Jesus comfort his family and friends,” wrote Michael Shell, also via Facebook. “Jim stood up against anyone, and everyone, and stood up for drivers.”

“Thank you for all you have done for the American trucker,” said Andy Blinness.

And Patrick Matich “will miss a good man in the trucking industry,” he wrote. “Rest in peace.

Via OverdriveOnline.com
Ben Nuttz: A trucker’s trucker, no doubt. The same kind of guy that many of us cut our teeth with. You would be hard-pressed to find a guy who has done more for truckers. Godspeed, Jim.

JMW: My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and the entire OOIDA team. And I would like to personally thank Jim and his family for his services in the trucking industry. A man who truly made a difference… They say the measure of a man is what he stands for and his accomplishments. In that respect, he was a giant, and he will be missed.

John S: Was with OOIDA all of my 20 year career as a owner operator. This story made me sad, even though I never met Jim I know from reading his columns how dedicated he was about making trucking better for the driver. May he rest in peace.