The president and CEO of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) passed away this week after serving as an executive officer for nearly 44 years.

78-year-old president and CEO Jim Johnston battled with lung cancer for more than a year before passing away on Monday, January 8th at his home in Grain Valley, Missouri.

According to the OOIDA’s press release, Johnston started his career as an executive officer of the OOIDA back in 1974, when a trucking industry shutdown made it clear that truckers needed some sort of association representing them so that they could communicate with lawmakers.

He [Johnston] 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 Todd Spencer, OOIDA’s executive vice president who will now take over as acting president of the OOIDA.

“Every driver today is better off because of that decision Johnston made years ago,” he continued.

Johnston worked tirelessly as CEO and president of the OOIDA from his start in 1974, up until just a few days before his passing, and had a huge role in the battle against the recent Electronic Logging Device mandate.

“The trucking industry has lost a visionary and crusader for the rights of all truckers. He leaves behind a legacy of passion and persistence that we will undoubtedly look to as our inspiration going forward as we continue the mission of the association,” Spencer continued.

“We are prepared to continue the fight as only Jim would want us all to do.”

A memorial page has been set up for the beloved president and CEO. You can contribute your own memories and condolences regarding Johnston here.