John Joseph Brannelly Jr. “Jack”, 59, of Draper, UT, passed away on January 8, 2024 after a sudden heart complication. He was battling heart problems throughout the month leading up to his passing.
Jack was born on October 21, 1964 to John and Andrea Brannelly in Limestone, Maine. He graduated from Manchester High School in Richmond, Virginia in 1982 and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Quito, Ecuador. He attended Brigham Young University where he studied English, philosophy, and Spanish. It was there that he also earned his law degree. He would enthusiastically practice law the rest of his life, not knowing how much time he would spend getting his future children out of traffic tickets.
In 1986, Jack met Julie Kay Johnson at Brigham Young University after being set up by Jack’s sister. Julie would later say he was “prowling the dorms”, but Jack would explain that he was simply “visiting his sister”. It was love at first sight. Jack and Julie were married in 1987 in Los Angeles, California and went on to have 4 children (in order), Michael, Cameron, Kaitlin and Meghann. Julie was his world and he often attributed his accomplishments and personal growth to her. He recognized she made him a better man and was very outspoken about just how “out of his league” he believed she was. The way his kids describe the couple’s dynamic is: Dad made sure the family always got invited to events, and Mom made sure the family was always invited back.
Known for his exceptional ability to love, reason, and problem solve, he was a close confidant and sounding board for everyone who knew him. Friends and family would go to him for his advice and clear thinking. When approached with a problem, his first response sounded something like, “what were the damages and who is liable?”- probably due to his legal background. He was a pillar in his church and community. He loved to serve, even going as far as continuing to announce the local high school girls volleyball games, long after his daughter graduated.
“Pappy”, as his grandkids lovingly called him, (a name he may or may not have chosen for himself), used his ability to make others laugh and feel comfortable to build a network of people that loved him. Loved ones describe him as a protective “insulation” that separated them from the hardships of the world. Jack was always willing to bear the brunt of hardships for those he loved, even if it meant standing alone. He was an advocate in his personal and professional life.
With a quick wit and great sense of humor, he kept everyone laughing throughout his life. Jack was known for his inability to resist laughing at anything immature, especially potty humor. He, endearingly, had an uninhibited and outgoing personality, often doing and saying things that would make others laugh or roll their eyes. Joining a cover band as the lead singer in his 50’s was a perfect example.
Jack will be remembered for his love of life and family. He made it abundantly clear that nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. Selfless, fearless, intentional, and determined, Jack built the life he always dreamed of having. To him, nothing was out of reach. He taught his family and those close to him to seek opportunities, persevere, put family first, and ultimately, love like our Savior.
Jack was predeceased by his father John Joseph Brannelly Sr. who passed away in October of 2020. He is survived by his mother (Andrea), wife (Julie), 5 siblings (Lynn, Patrick, Thomas, Tara, Maureen), 4 children (Michael, Cameron, Kaitlin, Meghann) and their spouses (Emily, Courtney, Parker, Max), and 5 grandchildren (Isla, Ava, Gavin, James, Calvin and one on the way).
Viewing service will be held at the LDS church located at 1911 E. Gray Fox Dr., Draper, UT 84020 (next to the Draper Temple) on January 13 from 9:30am - 11:30am.
Funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 12:00pm.
Interment service for the family will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, UT.
To watch the zoom recording of the service, please click on the tab above that says "Watch Service" or follow this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Pq2muOREDP9c7PX8cqDOpcTZABZTMGDOPYf7a-QFIr4p6k6pYsI7ui9heQVMSm3d.YG1le9V_MFkXHaQw?startTime=1705169858000
Dear Julie and family
We are very sorry to hear of Jacks passing.He was a gentleman and it is my pleasure to have known him .May his gentle soul rest in peace 🙏
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jack. I hope you find strength and solace during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences from your colleagues at Nomadix.
Julie and family,
I am so so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Sending your family love and hugs at this difficult time.
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Brannelly family. I had the chance to work with Jack over the best several years, and found him to be kind, generous, and funny. I will miss him.
Tim
I have nothing but the fondest memories of Jack and his family. My heart and prayers are with Julie and their children. The hardest part is knowing Jack won't be around to witness other long lasting and memorable experiences. But have no doubt, he is continuing to bless our heavenly family on the other side of the veil. My prayers and condolences to all.
Julie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We love your family and are so thankful for the good memories we have being together in the Summerlin Ward. We have enjoyed seeing your family Christmas cards over the years and seeing your children grow up, get married, and have children of their own.
We love you and are thinking of you and send our prayers of comfort and peace at this time 💕💕🙏
We love Jack and the Brannelly family! One of Jared’s first memories in the ward was a daddy/daughter campout when Jack broke out his DIY flame thrower to light the charcoal briquettes. Some may have said it was overkill. Perhaps, but I remember thinking, “This dude’s so cool! I wanna be like him!” I tried, but never managed to measure up.
Over the years, I learned that Jack is multi-dimensional – my contract legal ace, a surfer and a rock star with perfect hair – a lot more than the cool dude that was clearly obvious to everyone who ever met him!
Love, comfort and blessings to you all!
~The Thorks~
Julie and family,
We are heartbroken to hear the news of Jack's passing. We can't remember a time when Jack wasn't smiling and making everyone laugh. He was always so kind and we are so blessed to know him. Please know that we are mourning with you and we pray for your strength. We are so grateful to know and love the Brannelly family.
What a sad call to receive
from your parents. We can only say how we are praying for you and your family. It was lovely reading about his life and Learning more about him. Your dad said how much he is loved by his children. Hugs to you!!
We are all better people for having known Jack! Our hearts are with your family and will always consider you part of ours! We love you Brannellys! We will cherish our memories and the endless hours of advice we eagerly took from Jack over the years! His love for life was contagious and we are certain his legacy will live on in all of you. Our sincere condolences, The Harrymans
Julie and Family,
My heart is just breaking for you all! This is a devastating loss. Whether it was a school committee, a church calling, a volleyball game, or just a need for a laugh, you could alway count on Jack! He will be missed!
We Love You Jack. You will be missed. So Impressed with Jack as a Father to his Beautiful Family and Husband to his Sweet wife Julie. He was a Pillar in our Church and Community. We Love The Brannelly's You all are in our Hearts and Prayers.
I am so sorry about this immense loss to the Brannelly family. Growing up in the same neighborhood, Jack was one of the greatest guys and examples around me. I remember about 18 years ago when he was my sunday school teacher, he taught this lesson about Eddie, the surfer from Hawaii who would go and try to save anyone in any condition or something like that. He was so passionate about it and how we could be like Eddie by doing good for others and being more like Christ. He emphasized that Eddie's good had an impact on generations after his death. The quote he kept saying was, "Eddie Would Go". Jack kept emphasizing it and the difference one person can make. But then he made it personal and spoke to each one of us struggling 12 years olds like we mattered so much to him and that we could be like this too. He handed us little signs that said each of our names in the quote, mine saying, "Stephen Would Go". I don't know why that made such an impact on me but I have always held on to that little sign and today pulled it out again hearing the news. I don't remember much about Eddie but to this day I remember so much about Jack and I think as I walked out of that class all those years ago, I was moved to do good and love more because Jack would... because "Jack would go". Truly his life and example of love has touched so many and the effect will be felt for generations as it has for me and my family. I am so sorry about your loss and am sending my love and prayers at this time.
Jack and I attended HS together at Manchester in Richmond Va and graduated together in 1982. He was never without a smile and his upbeat personality even then was a precursor to his life of love as I have read. He treated his schoolmates warmly and welcomed all.
Work often carried me to the Great Salt Lake area and I had even reached out to Jack to connect and remember some “old times” but sadly we were unable to make this happen. I wish we had worked harder to do so.
While 42 years separates our lives, he will be remembered fondly as a great schoolmate and an exceptional man.
My sincere condolences to Julie and family. Jack was one of the best. He was our home teacher, and being new to the area, his quick whit and outgoing personality quickly made him a friend. His love for Julie and kids was discussed in every interaction. His loss will be felt through the community, but no more so than his family. Thank you for sharing Jack with all of us.
We are heartbroken with the passing of Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Michael, Cam, Kaitlin, Meghann, and the rest of the family. We love Jack, and he will be sorely missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My deepest condolences to you all!!
Dear Brannelly family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Over the past 12 years that I've known Cam, I always loved getting to see Jack at his shows, and the way he beamed with pride and always had a smile on his face are some things I'll never forget. Glad that the last time I got to see him, it was at Superbloom to watch Cam again. God bless you all in his absence, and may your soul rest easy until your family is reunited with you in time, Jack. Love and prayers. -Penny Brown 😭❤️🙏🏼
Walking back in time some 30 plus years.. Jack entered the mission field in Quito Ecuador. My husband and I were mission leaders and he was a gift to us with his positive, loving nature and his willingness to serve. He was fun, intelligent and a great leader.
May you, his family, know of his goodness and be blessed with peace. Sending love.
Phyllis Pingree
Sincere condolences to all the family. He was here in Pound Rd., Ballygar a few short years ago with his family.
Rest in peace Jack
Jack was the most nonjudgmental, accepting and loving home teacher we ever had. He will always be a spiritual giant who influenced our family. Our regret, we didn’t let him know that. Julie, we send you and your family our love and sincere and deepest condolences.
Julie and family,
We are sad to see Bro. Brannelly, who was always full of vibrant smiles and welcoming laughs, go so soon. Our hearts are with you, and I can only pray you feel him nearby along with the comforting angels that surround you. So crushed to hear the news, and we just pray you all feel so much love and hope around you.
We are sending all our love to the Brannelly family. Jack was one of a kind. A friend to all and the brightest light! He is someone that made a difference and will be missed in ways beyond measure.
Sorry to hear of your passing, Such a young age.
We are so very sorry to hear of your sweet husband's passing. He was, indeed, a great man. May you receive the healing comfort of the holy ghost as you go forward. Sending love and prayers!
Mi más sentido pésame a toda la familia
Sincere condolences to all the Brannelly family on Jack’s sudden passing.I was delighted to meet him and his Family when they visited Ballygar.we brought him and his Family to Killeroran Graveyard to see the Family plot of his ancestors in the darkness.May he now Rest in Peace . Pat Gilmore
My appreciated friend and brother, you leave a great void and a legacy at the same time... thank you for your example and testimony that we share in our mission in my country. My feelings of regret and my prayers with his family. Rest in peace brother... until we meet with the King.
We are extremely sorry for your lost. We always loved his personality and willingness to help others. We wanted very much to be at his service, but Annette is in the hospital with a serious infection. She's improving but still needs a lot of attention. We pray that theLord will provide all the comfort and peace that your family needs. We are grateful for our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation and we have the assurance that we will all be reunited for eternity.
Dearest Julie and family, Our hearts are broken today as we think about Jack and the entire Brannelly family. Our family grew up with your family. Jack will be missed but his great memory will live with us forever. We love you!
We give our hugest condolences to the Brannelly family. Jack was one of a kind. He was a magnet of people and he was able to lift everyone around him. Serving the youth with Julie at the same time Jack was in YM was memorable. Jack was full of energy, knowledge, love of the gospel, and he even had some pretty sweet dance moves! Our hearts and prayers go out to your amazing family. ❤️❤️❤️
Chelsea Clark
RIP Jack. I will miss your posts on FB
I had the honor to serve as Jack’s missionary companion twice, for a total of nine months, in the Quito, Ecuador Mission. The second time we were Zone Leaders together in Quito, North. Jack had a gift for connecting with people and brought smiles to those who knew him. He worked hard as a missionary and was always enthusiastically looking for a way to better himself. He often shared stories of his family and how much he admired each of them. I will never forget watching Jack take a picture of a bat flying around our apartment in the middle of the night while we both laughed hysterically, or holding a community dance on the roof of our apartment building to raise money so we could pay the light bill at the branch. Jack was one in a million, and I am saddened to hear of his passing. Sending love and condolence to the Brannelly family.
I rarely look at Facebook but for some reason did so today and saw this tragic news. Jack was one of my best friends in high school. Words cannot express my sorry.
When I saw reference to his children's speeding tickets I had to chuckle. In the summers, Jack and I would leave about 5am and drive his dad's VW Dasher to Virginia Beach. Jack would drive 110 mph down Rt. 360 and we would track our best time. Our record was 1hr, 20mins. for a trip that normally takes 2 hours! He would bring his gigantic boom box, crank it up and by the end of the day we would be burned to a crisp and dozens of people would have joined us. Craziest guy I ever knew and he didn't even drink!
I love you my brother and I know you are in God's hands now. Rest in peace my friend.
Although it’s been a long time since we were neighbors, we felt such sorrow in hearing of Jack’s passing. Our love goes out to the entire family and hope you will feel that love every day.
Our deepest condolences to Julie and the whole Brannelly family. We'll miss Jack so much. Jack was a natural at lifting those around him. After spending anytime around him, he would make you want to be a better person. His positive and optimistic approach to life and its challenges was contagious. He had a solid testimony of the Savior and his Gospel. I remember him saying once, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a part of my life...but it IS my life. We love you Jack. We know we will see you again. We love you Julie. We'll pray for you and your family. You are loved and are not alone.
You don't know me. I'm one of the hundreds of people Jack influenced on his mission in Ecuador. I doubt he would even remember me, but I remember him. He was always happy, joyful, well liked by everyone and made all that he met into his best friend. I have a picture with him and several other Elders in cheer stands. It was very funny at the time, but looking back it was so very Jack.
My heart goes out to all the family who will have an empty place at the table every holiday, empty arms others will have to fill, sore hearts at his passing.
He was so very young, but I see him with President Pingree, sending him to a place in the spirit world to continue his work in heaven.
God bless you with peace and the great faith of the coming resurrection. I know his spirit lives and we will meet again at the greatest reunion.
Chela
It's Steve Hodge from back in Thousand Oaks. I loved going over to the Johnson home. I was taken aback with the news of Jack's passing. I had looked back fondly on Jack from my limited interaction with him as a teenager. It was easy to like him. His personality is one of warmth and friendliness. He is the type of soul people would gravitate towards.
I am glad to have heard the personal stories shared at his funeral. That is the most special part of such events for me. Though you will hurt, I hope you will have peace and the knowledge that you will have him in your life again.
Oh Julie- I wa so sad to come across this. I have so many wonderful memories of our young families together in Las Vegas so long ago. When I think back to soccer games, play dates and many many hours at your home I think of Jack on his skateboard and how much he enjoyed every day. Sending you a huge hug and all of th elove and comfort you deserve.