In loving memory of Kim Johns who passed away on a beautiful winter’s day at the age of 82. Kim met the love of his life, Susan, while attending the University of Toronto. Married for 55 years they travelled the world, built a backyard oasis and laughed every day. Kim was a devoted and beloved father to Michael (Alanda) and Amy (Bryan). A proud son of Huntsville, born to Walter and Edna Johns, Kim was a loving brother to David (Tina) and Baden (Marilynne) Johns and Brother-in-law to Paul and Carey Sanderson. He was a passionate history teacher, dedicating 30 years to shaping young minds first in Etobicoke and then Barrie Central Collegiate. At Central he excelled in two things: beating the school’s quarterback in throwing competitions and instilling in every student he taught the knowledge that someone completely and enthusiastically believed in them. His love for reading, baseball, football, and every family dog (Dolly, Kaylee, Ripley, Rosie, Newt, and Poppy) was well known to all who loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, kindness and love. And truly, you should have seen him throw. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation to Hospice Simcoe.
Ottavio James Our conPerri
Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024Condolences to the family on the death of Kim. He was a fine man, a fellow history teacher and a colleague that I could always get thoughtful support and unvarnished opinions from. My wife Irene snd I send our sincere wishes to Susan and all the family.
Trish & Terry
Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024We are very sorry for your loss and passing on our condolences. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Ray Champagne
Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024I am so sorry to hear about Kim. He was a wonderful and kind man who always took the time to chat with me, whether it was in the halls of Barrie Central Collegiate or on the front lawn of his house where he’d be watering his flowers. We’ll all miss Kim’s smiles and laughter. My thoughts are with Sue and her family during this difficult time.
Deb Hannah
Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024When someone asks you of a person growing up that made an impact on your life…. This man is at the top of my list! For any former student who ever had the privilege to be taught by Mr Johns, they were truly blessed. Thank you for being an intricate part of my life. You will be missed but never forgotten!
Natalie Cooney
Posted on: Wednesday, February 21, 2024My heart is broken at the news of Kim’s passing. He literally changed the trajectory of my life, both as a teacher and then as someone who helped me to a job I had for 28 years. He was one of the kindest, smartest and most interesting men I’ve known. My happy memories of Barrie Central will always include Kim. My thoughts go out to Susan, Michael, Amy and your families at this difficult time but I will cherish my memories and celebrate the wonderful life of Kim Johns.
Jamie Douglas Cleroux
Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2024I am very sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful Teacher and I will never forget his love of teaching or his amazing smile.
Jamie Cleroux
Jim Armishaw
Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2024Dave and all the family, sincere condolences.
Jaycee Elliott
Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2024So sad to hear about Mr Johns passing. He was a great teacher and touched the hearts and brains of many. His infectious smile, kind heart and patience was a true gift. He never gave up on me as a student at BCC Thinking of his family during this time 💕
Greg Wood
Posted on: Friday, February 23, 2024Very sorry to hear about Kim’s passing. He was the finest, most knowledgeable teacher I ever had the privilege of knowing. I was in several of his classes back in the 1980’s and enjoyed them thoroughly. His enthusiasm and knowledge made it seem like he had actually been at every historical event that he was able to so vividly describe. Mr. Johns had an incredible ability to discuss historical facts in a way that made everyone think about how history shapes the present and the future.
Rest in peace, Kim. You have made your own special place in our history, in the hearts and minds of all of us whom you taught.
Beth Foster
Posted on: Friday, February 23, 2024Such a big loss to Kim’s family and to the Barrie community, but what a legacy! Though Kim will be remembered for his kindness, wit, gentleness, encyclopedic knowledge of history, smile, and love of teaching, I am especially grateful to him for performing my marriage to Robin, 22 years ago. All those qualities were there and made our wedding day so wonderful. To Sue, Michael, Amy and families, please be gentle with yourselves as you move forward into your new way of being in the world. Love to all. Beth
Robert Campbell
Posted on: Saturday, February 24, 2024My condolences to the family. Kim was my absolute favourite teacher during my years at Barrie Central, bonding over our shared love of history and trivia once my high school years were over. The world is a better place because of him and he will be missed.
Rick Kalte
Posted on: Tuesday, February 27, 2024Kim Johns will always be the consummate gentleman and scholar in my books. His gentle manner and way of explaining historical facts would pull anyone in and make history come alive.
The memories of Kim enjoying himself at a trivia contest at the pub or throwing a football at a school competition will always be a blessing to me.
I hope Sue, Michael and Amy can get together and relish these types of memories, and if you do, DO Not forget him winning the Best Legs in Central at an assembly!
Thanks for all the great memories, Kim. You have left an indelible mark in the lives of all of us lucky enough to have spent time with you.
Rick Kalte
Posted on: Tuesday, February 27, 2024Kim Johns will always be the consummate gentleman and scholar in my books. His gentle manner and way of explaining historical facts would pull anyone in and make history come alive.
The memories of Kim enjoying himself at a trivia contest at the pub or throwing a football at a school competition will always be a blessing to me.
I hope Sue, Michael and Amy can get together and relish these types of memories, and if you do, DO NOT forget him winning the Best Legs in Central at an assembly !
Thanks for all the great memories , Kim. You have left an indelible mark in the lives of all us lucky enough to have spent time with you.