Brian Peterson Johns

“There’s a grief that can’t be spoken, there’s a pain that goes on and on, empty chairs, and empty tables.” Les Miserables

With heavy hearts we said a temporary goodbye to our son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend Brian Peterson Johns. “BJ” passed on Friday April 19, 2024. He fought exceptionally hard to overcome his recent bout of aspiration pneumonia, which was one of many that he often had throughout his life, but this time his heart and lungs were just too worn out. He was such a fighter and had a great tenacity for life.  

Brian was born July 8, 1983, to Marianne and Richard Johns Jr. He came into this world with the superpowers that come with Down Syndrome, as well as heart and lung failure. Yet we were granted the gift and miracle of 40 years with him.  As the youngest of 5 children in the Johns home, he became the center of our worlds. Despite the limitations his body gave him, Brian was bigger than life! Brian loved school and had many amazing teachers who cared so much about him. His mom fought for his education rights every inch of the way. She helped Brian become an avid reader. He loved scouring the newspaper and magazines to find out information about new albums, movies, or concerts coming out. He attended Woods Cross High School and became a fan favorite in all the plays he participated in.  His love of acting and musical theater continued with the amazing program Friend to Friend out at Centerpoint Theater. Special thanks to all who supported him in his theatrical endeavors. Brian loved his years in the scouting program and was proud to be an Eagle Scout. Brian loved going to the Bountiful Temple with his mom and dad. His temple work became his mission. 

Family was everything to Brian. His siblings and 13 nieces and nephews each had the most individual and special relationships with him. After Brian’s dad died in 2010, he labeled himself Grandpa #2 and filled that role amazingly well. Brian was loved by all his extended family, and each grandparent, aunt, uncle and cousin all held a special place in his heart. He adopted himself into many neighbors and friends' families and often took their last name upon him. Brian became a fast friend to everyone he met. He had unconditional love for all people, even if he did offer unsolicited advice or opinions. If you ever shopped at Dick’s Market in Bountiful, you might have received comments while he was working there as a bagger about your purchases having too many calories and fat. Ironic, we know! Thanks to Dicks and Keva Juice for giving him the job opportunities that he loved so much.  

We know our dad was waiting with open arms for Brian. How joyous and fun that reunion must be.  Brian came to this earth to love people and nobody loved better than he did!  

Brian is survived by his angelic mother Marianne Johns, whose unwavering patience was an example to us all. Lisa Callister (Chase). Emily and Taylor Scalley (Sydney, Olivia, Mia, Liam, Isaac).  Matthew and Heather Johns (Madison,Clara, Eli, Lucy). Kari and Ryan Christensen (Kylie, Kade, Chloe).  

Special thanks to the Cardiac ICU nurses and doctors at Intermountain Medical Center, specifically Dr. Lynette Brown who helped us make critical decisions at critical times, as well as many other wonderful medical providers throughout his life. 

Funeral services and both viewings will be held at the Maple Hills Chapel, located at 1320 East 1975 South, Bountiful, UT 84010. Family and friends may visit Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., also Friday, April 26, 2024, from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am Friday morning. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.   

Memories may be shared in the "Guestbook" on this obituary page.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund or LDS Missionary Fund.  

Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery in SLC, UT at 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106.