The trucking industry has lost one of its greatest leaders this week. Jim Johnston, president and CEO of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), passed away after a battle with lung cancer.
Johnston was there from the very beginnings of OOIDA. In 1973 when it was first formed as a unifying voice for truckers, Johnston was still driving a truck himself. Soon after, he became president and CEO of the organization that bills itself as the only “international trade association representing the interests of independent owner-operators and professional drivers on all issues that affect truckers.”
“He loved every minute he spent as a trucker, but when circumstances required it in the ’70s, he stepped down from behind the wheel to give a badly needed voice to truckers,” said OOIDA executive vice president, Todd Spencer in a statement.
Back then, OOIDA was run out of a trailer chained to a light pole on I-70 in Grain Valley, Missouri. Today, OOIDA is one of the strongest voices in trucking, and Johnston led the charge fighting for truckers and their rights even while battling lung cancer over the past year.
Even those who often stood on opposite sides of the fight offered condolences and fond words.
“We are saddened by the news of Jim’s passing,” said a statement from ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “One of the first meetings I had in this role was with Jim and his team. He was a passionate leader for drivers and the industry, advocating issues that helped build this great nation. Jim never strayed from who he was and who he represented – truckers. Jim was a warrior, and he will be missed.”
A memorial page has been posted on OOIDA’s website where powerful and touching stories and condolences have already been shared.
Source: gobytrucknews, fleetowner, overdrive, overdrive, prnewswire, ttnews
James Collins says
Thank You for everything Jim! No ELD where your going! Prayers for your family! R.I.P.
Barf Green says
I didn’t know the man, but I tip my cap to anyone in the 21st century still sporting a Canadian tuxedo.
Douglas Kirk says
Journalism at its finest…..OOIDA has always been in Grain Valley, MISSOURI. Not Montana.
Otherwise, Jim Johnston was The Man when it comes to standing up for what is right. My condolences to his family and friends.
Andrew says
Jim was a great leader for independent Truckers. He was a great man, he was well respected by all his peers, advocates and friends. He will be missed by all. Sending my condolences to all his family and friends. From a life time member. Rest in peace my friend
Cody says
OOIDA is a big rip off. They steal your money, over priced insurance, and do nothing for you.
Grim Reaper says
All this pablum while we mourn the loss of Jim, what a loser you are
Jr johns says
You need an education. It’s clear you don’t know what your talking about. They have fought and won many battles in congress for trucking. You may wanna do a little more homework on their truck insurance costs cause you will find they are far lower then most other insurance carriers out there. Your also disrespectful too cause this post was about the passing of the founder and you chose to trash talk his company.
com.bill says
what a shame another troll without even basic respect !
Sam Maass says
Ooida has been a great help for me and my business. People that run them down have not had the experience I have with them. They have done a lot for me as a businessman.
Joe says
Yes it is 🙂 I agree with you! I’ve had that Dam insurance four times and they never solved my problem. My wife solved them for me and she’s not a lawyer!
TAZ Wilkins says
Really Samuel ?? REALLY ? You cover trucking news and you get “Missouri” replaced with “MONTANA” ?? I deeply love
Montana but for someone writing about our industry as well as the most famous icon in trucking – NOT something I would want on my resume !! Sheesh
TruckersReport News says
Dumb mistake from staring at the screen for too long. Thanks for pointing it out!
Rayzer says
Well, one thing is for certain, someone was going to point it out for sure. God forbid someone make a mistake!
Barney Big Rig says
My deepest condolences & sympathies to Jim’s family on their loss!! The transportation industry in particular the trucking side have lost their true champion for truckers rights!! Although he had some ideas that I personally didn’t agree on, he was ALWAYS willing to compromise & fight for what he believed in!! He’ll be sorely missed!!💯
MrNA says
Jim was a genius. He was kind and generous. Always shot from the hip. R.I.P. Jim. You will be sorely missed and remembered as an icon of our Industry.
Grim Reaper says
Always looking out for all of us, weather owner operators or company drivers!
Never forget how he and Todd started and kept going from very humble beginnings to the force OOIDA is today!
“Clear roads ahead Jim, God needs you in Heaven to fight the good fight!!”
Linda Merritts says
Thank you Jim for your support for Truckers RIP you will be greatly missed by your Trucking Family and my prayers are with your Family. We will keeping fighting the ELD laws I know that is what you would want us to do.
Ron says
Jim stood up for us truck drivers .What you did made things better for other….Thank You; Jim !. My condolences to his family , and friends.
Daniel Perry says
Rest in Peace Mr. Johnston. For most of my life youve been the “Face” of the Owner-Operator segment of this great industry and will be sorely missed.