Jeffrey Johns

It is with great and immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Arnett Johns, age 71, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Jeff passed away peacefully at his home on September 26, 2025, with his daughter, Samantha, and grandson, Devon, by his side. He was born in Washington Court House, Ohio, at Fayette Memorial Hospital, to Robert (“Uncle BoBo”) Johns and Evelyn (Brown) Johns.

Jeff spent much of his life behind the wheel, proudly making a living driving semi-trucks—a job he truly loved. Over the years, he worked for several distribution companies and took great pride in his work and the freedom of the open road.

He was married to the late Sheila M. Johns, and together they shared many years of love and memories.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Samantha Johns Green (Philip); his son, Gabriel Johns (Brandy); and three bonus sons, George Kirk (Jaunita), Kelly Kirk (Kirsten), and John Kirk (Maria). He is also survived by his siblings Allyson Johns (Eric L. “EB” Brown), Stephanie (Stacey) Johns, Robin Ferguson (Brian), Wendy Chambliss (Gary), and Joey George (Tracy).

Jeff was a proud grandfather to Devon Johns, Zoe Allison, Lyric Johns, Jade Johns, Gage Fellenstein (Jamie), Morgan Myers, Colton Parker, Emily (Kirk) Masterman, Anya (Kirk) Deutsch, Aiden Kirk, Jo-Ellen Tschappat, Holly Morgan, and Joel Kirk.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Alyssa Ebner, Austin Ebner, Kenneth Townsend, McKinley Morgan, Isabella Deutsch, and Sophia Deutsch, as well as one great-great-grandbaby, Kodi Ebner.

Jeff dearly loved his nieces and nephews: Nicholaus Johns, Randi Ford, Clifton Banks (Ryan), Courtney Payne (Hayward), Jeffrey Spradlin, Bobby Spradlin, Cameron Spradlin (Krystal), and Elisabeth George, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. He loved and cherished all of his family and friends deeply.

Beyond his work, Jeff found great joy in giving back to his community. He loved coaching basketball for local organizations, including Upward Basketball at church, the Mt. Sterling league, and at Mt. Sterling Elementary School. He also volunteered at Mt. Sterling Elementary as a crossing guard, where he greeted students every day with a warm smile and a kind word.

Jeff made friends wherever he went, even after he became ill. His kindness, humor, and gentle heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He will be remembered as one of the most loving, caring, and compassionate men you could ever meet. His laughter and generosity will live on in the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life Dinner will be held lovingly on his birthday, November 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Mt. Sterling Community Center, 164 E. Main St., Mt. Sterling, Ohio 43143. Please bring a covered dish to share with family and friends as we gather to honor Jeff’s life and memory.

Forever loved, never forgotten — the road may have ended, but his journey continues in our hearts.