James Johnson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death of James Johnson on October 16^th, in Ottawa, Ontario.

James was born in Bournemouth, England on September 8, 1964. His journey in his early life took him from England to South Africa (1971) and finally to Canada (1978 - Scarborough) where he finished high school and remained and settled. As a pre-teen until age 14 he lived under apartheid South Africa, which had a profound impact on his life and his chosen career.  After completing several university degrees; BSc at the University of Toronto (1990), BA (Hons) at the University of British Columbia (1998), MSc at the London School of Economics (1999), and a JD at the University of Alberta (2002), James joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada as a foreign service officer in 2007. He was posted abroad in postings in Kandahar, Abuja, Kabul and Baghdad and worked at Headquarters and in the Alberta and Northwest Territories Regional Office. For a life and career cut all too short, he packed in a lot.

Prior to joining the department, James practised criminal law in Alberta. He was also a military veteran, having proudly served as a reservist in military intelligence in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a peacekeeper in the NATO mission to the former Yugoslavia. James was an avid student of natural sciences, anthropology, archeology, world history, and human rights and the law, and an avid reader – he never stopped learning. He was a soldier, a lawyer and a diplomat living his dream but at his core he was an artist. He began drawing at a young age, but his real calling was writing and storytelling. He was a natural storyteller, and children flocked to him to hear his stories about the ogres, trolls, and other fantastical creatures.  He loved gardening and picking roses for his beloved; walking in nature; birds and animals; murder mysteries; exotic beers, gin and tonics, scotch and his cigars.

James considered it an honour to represent Canada abroad. He was known for his dedication and professionalism and was appreciated for his collegiality and the contrast of his no-nonsense exterior, which masked a kind, honest and human approach to people and situations.  His wit and dry, sarcastic humour could ease even the most difficult discussions.  In his last posting to Baghdad, he considered it a privilege to not only represent Canada to Iraq but also to learn about and explain contemporary Iraq, and to understand its role as the cradle of human civilization. 

James is survived by his beloved common law partner, and best friend of 15 years, fellow foreign service officer, Suehila Elkateb, his daughters; Roxanna and Odessa and their mother; his son Gabriel; his mother Diane, his stepfather Richard; his siblings; Tina, Fiona and Sara (Mark), and his cousin Tina and their families; extended family members; and countless friends and colleagues. 

James was a gentleman with a heart of gold; he was kind, gracious, giving and supportive of those he loved.  Gone far too soon and dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion in James’ memory. Contributions can be made online at www.legion.ca/donations or to your local Legion branch.

A private funeral/celebration of his life will take place at a date to be determined.

Messages of condolences can be sent to the Elkateb-Johnson family at JJcondolences@gmail.com.