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.

See 10 photos

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 service via zoom, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83460304950