Memoir from Professional Engineers of Colorado publication Spring 2002 - Page 7
James G. Johnstone, PE-PLS Dies at 81
James George Johnstone died in Littleton, Colorado, on February 10, 2002. He was born July 29, 1920, in La Porte, Indiana, to Arthur Paul and Lydia (Werremeyer) Johnstone. Jim attended Western Kentucky State University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, 1939-41, and received a Geological Engineer degree from Colorado School of Mines in 1948, and a M.S. in Engineering from Purdue University in 1952. Jim married Louise "Peg" Moffit. Jim and Peg moved to Golden, Colorado, where Jim attended the Colorado School of Mines, and received his degree. They moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where they both received masters degrees from Purdue University. They returned permanently to Colorado in 1946. Jim and Peg had one child, Nancy Louise Johnstone Ratay, and a granddaughter Beth Ratay. Peg died October 30, 1995. In additional to daughter Nancy and granddaughter Beth, Jim is survived by a sister, Ruth Dreske, of Hamilton, Ohio. Jim's long and distinguished career, primarily as an engineering educator, also included engineering work in the private sector, consulting, and serving on many councils, boards, and committees. His background includes working with distinguished institutions at Giffels & Vallet, Inc., Ford Motor Company, and Geophoto Services. His services to educational institutions as an assistant professor and student at Purdue University, 1948-57, and the joining the faculty of Colorado School of Mines, where he served as Professor of Basic Engineering until his retirement in 1983. He was professor emeritus until his death in 2002. Jim was a member of the Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon Honorary Society, Tau Beta Pi, and Sigma Epsilon Fraternity.
After his retirement, Jim served as a consultant on a number of major engineering projects. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in Colorado and Indiana. Engineering society memberships included American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers of Colorado, PEC contact to the NSPE Division of Professional Engineers in Education, Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado and American Society of Engineering Education.
In addition to these technical and professional societies, he was a member of the Colorado Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, 1971-79, chairman, 1978-79; Engineers Council for Professional Development, 1975-79.
Among Jim's many honors and awards were PEC's Professional Engineer of the Year in 1967 and 1979, Outstanding Engineering Educator in 1974-74, Certificate of Honor - Colorado Engineering Council in 1975, and the Mines Medal from Colorado School of Mines in 1986.
Jim became a member of NSPE, PEC, and the Metropolitan Chapter in 1955. One of his early interests in 1957 was serving as editor of the state newsletter for a five-year term. He played a major role in initiating the publication of the Professional Engineer of Colorado magazine in April 1966. This 40-page magazine became one of the three top-rated engineering society publications in the country. His efforts in founding this magazine, along with other outstanding services to engineering, were responsible for his receiving the 1966 PEC Engineer of the Year.
Jim undertook all endeavors with great interest and energy. He held all offices of the Metropolitan Chapter and was one of the main organizers of the Jefferson Chapter where he held membership in both. After serving as President of Metropolitan, the original PEC Chapter, he served all elective offices of the state society, becoming president of PEC for the 1965-66 term.
Jim's interest in NSPE was not confined to state and local chapters. He served PEC as national director from 1967-74 and 1977-79 on the NSPE board of directors. In 1974, he was elected vice president of the Southwest Region of NSPE and served for two terms - 1974-76. He had a special interest in education activities of NSPE and served many years as PEC representative to Professional Engineers in Education. He also was active in NSPE's political action activities, both at the state and national levels.
Jim always made major contributions to any activity in which he was involved. Throughout the years he remained active in PEC by attending Chapter and state board meetings, often as a Jefferson Chapter state director, or as a committee member.
The last major contribution Jim made to PEC was the proposing and assisting in the organization of the Professional Engineers of Colorado Education Foundation incorporated in 1990. The foundation acts on behalf of PEC to administer the funds received from donations and other sources to promote charitable, scientific, and educational programs.
Jim was active in the Colorado Republican Party, and a member of the Lakewood Methodist Church.
Memorial Contributions in honor of Jim Johnstone may be made to:
PEC Education Foundation
James G. Johnstone Memorial Fund
11166 Huron Street, Suite 27
Denver, CO 80234-3339
Denver Post, The (CO) March 15, 2002
James George Johnstone, 81, of Littleton, a professor, died Feb. 10 in Littleton. Services were Feb. 15 at Lakewood United Methodist Church. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born July 29, 1920, in LaPorte, Ind. On Aug. 24, 1946, he married Louise Moffit in Golden. She preceded him in death. He earned a bachelor's of science degree from Colorado School of Mines and a master's degree from Purdue University. He taught civil engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. He was a member of Professional Engineers of Colorado, National Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Engineers in Education, American Society of Civil Engineers, Tau Beta Pi and Jefferson County Housing Authority.
He is survived by a daughter, Nancy Ratay, Littleton; a sister, Ruth Dreske, Hamilton, Ohio; and a grandchild.