Joseph Charles Johns, of Eden Prairie, MN (formerly of Warren, OH), died much too soon on May 5, 2024 at the age of 40. He was a kind and loving man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
A service honoring Joseph’s life will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Ames Center (12600 Nicollet Avenue; Burnsville, MN 55337). Doors will open to the public at 12:00 Noon. The service will be streamed at the following link: Joseph Johns Memorial Service.
On February 17, 1984, Joseph was born to parents Charles & Loretta Johns. He was the youngest of three children, and he loved growing up with his siblings, David and Stacie. From an early age, Joseph was truly something special. He exuded joy, and his smile was contagious. Joseph brightened any room he walked into. His energetic laugh and sense of humor will resonate with those who knew him for years to come.
In high school, Joseph was a member of the Robotics Team and the National Honor Society. He participated in numerous academic competitions and graduated with honors from Warren G Harding High School in 2002. Next, he attended “The Ohio State University” where he studied business and again graduated with honors.
Immediately following his graduation, Joseph moved to Minnesota to pursue his career. It also helped that his big brother was nearby. Over the years, Joseph worked for Super Valu, JJ Taylor and Optum Health. Joseph was a hard worker and made friends wherever he worked.
His life was guided by his Bible based Christian values of love, joy, peace and kindness amongst others. These were evidenced by his ability to positively influence and inspire a multitude of people.
He found his true passion when he joined the Eden Prairie Fire Department in 2015 as a part-time firefighter. Then in 2020, Joseph began working as a firefighter full-time with the Eagan Fire Department. Joseph’s brothers and sisters in the fire departments described him as the ultimate “Good Guy.” He was kind, compassionate, brave and always put service above self.
Joseph truly loved what he did and was fervent about sharing his passion with the next generation. He always made time to volunteer at a school or simply talk to children about what it meant to be a firefighter. Although Joseph touched the lives of many children, no one touched his heart more than his nephew Alexander. They enjoyed video chatting and going for motorcycle rides whenever Uncle J would visit.
When Joseph wasn’t working, he enjoyed being outside. Joseph liked fishing and kayaking. He loved dancing and singing; Joseph truly was the life of the party. But more than anything, Joseph LOVED being on his motorcycle. He rode his bike through every state in the Continental US and even rode through parts of Ireland. He belonged to the Tru Breed motorcycle club and visited several others where he developed lifelong friendships. Joseph particularly enjoyed long rides for which he acquired the name “Miles”. He earned the “Iron Butt” patch after riding over 1000 miles in one day on a trip from Arizona to Minnesota.
No matter what Joseph did, he went all-in. He cared deeply, loved with his whole heart and lived his life with joy and passion. Joseph was kind, loving, charismatic and funny. He was a wonderful example for us all. If you didn’t get to meet him, simply put, you missed out on someone extraordinary.
Joseph is survived by his mother, Loretta Johns; siblings, David Johns and Stacie Johns; nephew, Alexander Johns; other loving relatives, coworkers and friends. He is preceded by his father, Charles Johns and his grandparents.
Memorials can be made to Firefighters for Healing in Joseph’s honor.
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LoLo
Truly the most amazing person I have ever met, that smile would light up a room, his dancing, singing, rapping, Snapchat at 5am with a video or smile on his way to work, him thinking I cheated playing basketball and I won. He is the once in a lifetime person that you would ever meet. He applied for the Eagan Firefighter job, he was beat up, called each night asking “can I really do this”? Yes yes and yes, he worked for the same company as I different roles, but I knew he could and he did! Miles or “Johns” or “Joe” doesn’t matter, he was always himself regardless of where he was or what he was doing. In your lifetime you should just appreciate if you ever had the opportunity to know him in any way, he was a real one in every aspect of his life, he was a giver over and over, he was there for many people. He had the best smile, the greatest Outlook, he would dance like no one is watching, he just LIVED LIVED, we should all take a page out of his book. BE SAFE, BE KIND, BE PREPARED, THATS THE FIREFIGHTERS MOTO! REST IN PEACE MILES, YOUR FOREVER IN MY SOUL! Thank you for all the goofy and amazing times we shared. You know I’m here wherever you are and whenever you want to visit! ❤️❤️❤️ Love, LoLo
Ronson Beard
Sorry for your loss, and prayers to you…♥️…From Tru Breed MC
Lady Goon Squad SC MN
Our deepest condolences to his family, Tru Breed MC, and Eagan, and Edina fire departments. Miles was a great man, he will be truly missed by many.
Sincere Sympathies,
Lady Goon Squad SC MN
Cynthia Steele
Our deepest sympathies to the John’s family! Praying Gods comfort surrounds each of you during your journey of grief. May you all hold close the many memories of Joseph’s smile, dancing and being joy to others and May it bring comfort to you.
The Steele’s
Monica Waker and Mollie Smith (Lady Riders of MN)
A handful of us had the honor of meeting Miles Saturday morning of the day we lost him. For most of us, it was our first time meeting him and like all the other stories I’ve heard and the descriptions I’ve read he exuded joy and happiness and love. His smile was so warm! He told me how cool it was that us ladies rode and he proceeded to take video of us and volunteered to take lots of pictures with each of our phones to commemorate the day. His smile was so big that I think he was more excited than we were!
And just like that, he was gone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his MC family, and his firefighter family.
This world seems to have been a better place with him in it. His positive attitude and outlook on life is what we should all aspire to have.
David Wilson
I want to send my Condolences to the Johns family. Joseph made a huge impact in my family’s life he will truly be missed.
Robert Steele
Condolences from K9 MC he was truly a friend and a brother and ground pounder like no other!!! R.I.H brother I’ll ride for you forever!!!!
Gabriel Kelson
Sending love to the family Kelson Family Columbus Ohio. My prayers are with each of you.
Decatur Prepared Foods
The Wayne-Sanderson Farms (Decatur Prepared Foods) family sends our deepest condolences to David Johns and the rest of the Johns Family. We are so very sorry for your loss. We hope that you find comfort in the warm memories you have of Joseph. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you honor Joseph and begin your healing journey. God bless you.
-Heath, Alex, Beckie, John, Tesse, & the rest of the DPF Team
Jolene Bauer
Sending my deepest condolences and Prayers to Joseph’s family and all that loved him and all that he loved so deeply. He will forever be missed.
Bessie Rodgers
My heartfelt condolences goes out to your whole entire family Joseph AKA miles was my little brother I loved him from the very first day that I met him we were together on that Saturday all day hanging out he is so full of life and for that to happen to him I will forever be broken my heart is forever torn and I’m giving you guys a air hug and I would definitely be at his services miles will definitely be loved and remembered for his smile his hugs are definitely unmatched I love you bro continue to ride in heaven until we meet again me and your boy we’re going to continue caking as you say right on baby boy ride on
Debbie Rutherford & Bob Rutherford
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Jenal patterson
Sending prayers ❤️ for strength and to say thank you for sharing Joesph AKA Miles with us and the Joy he had brought to his MC family he was truly a ray of sun shine and a heart of Gold hw will truly be missed Jenal A.k.A Jezzy Tru Breed Chicago
Bertilla Carr
Love, condolences and prayers
Cousin Bertilla (Tilli) and family
Tammy Harvey
I only got to be around Joseph once in a brew pub in Powell, Wyoming on his way through on a motorcycle trip. He jumped up and brought me napkins for a little mess at our table. By the time he walked away we were friends, had hugged and exchanged info, with me extending my home to him whenever he might come back. I absolutely loved his energy and love. I’m so sorry for all those he has left behind.
Hazel Austin
To the family of Joseph Johns. I send my prayers and condolences for your loss. Loretta, my heart hurts for you and please know that you have my support whenever you need it!
Mark Tillman
Miles Tru Breed MC to many Joseph Johns to me! Bruh, we just talk about your epic adventure out west at the beginning of April. Our last text was just last Tuesday (April 30th) with you in front of the Illinois sign and a plate you were about to devour as usual.
I’m devastated to hear this news. I had to do a double take and I still can’t believe it!! We had been planning a trip together when our schedules aligned. I’m beyond heartbroken!
Joseph, we met doing something we Love and it brought us together. When I came to MN you had another trip planned but I did step foot in your city.
My Prayers go out to your Family, your older Brother, your Tru Breed MC Family, and a host of friends who I know about through your posts.
I’m so glad we were able to connect, even if it was brief, in Miami, our bikes side-by-side, and our Bond Secured! You will be missed beyond measure my Brother! Keep buring up the roads in Heaven!
I’m missing you Joseph! This truly hurts! Love You Bro!! ✊
LeRoy D Whitaker
To the family of Joesph we will never know all we should have but it was good trying together. Goodbye my friend love will away’s be in you. That was the best thing you took with you Joseph you will away’s be remembered from how I met you happy and with a smile rest in peace.
Kathy DeMerle , Lil Mama
My condolences goes out to the entire family of Miles, Joseph. You truly made an impact on everyone’s life everywhere you went, and with everyone you met. I am happy to have called you my friend, and your Lil Mama. Continue to watch over each one of us, your biker family as you always did. I love you and miss you dearly.
Frances Byars
So sorry for your lost. Prayers for family and friends.
Frances Byars. Cousin of Loretta Johns v
Sheila and Kevin Moll
Our condolences to Joseph’s family and friends. David we met in the elevator the morning of your brother’s funeral. Your sharing of your brother hit my heart and I shared it with my husband immediately. Have been praying ever since then and your pain made me look for your brother’s obit to learn about his life. Fire Fighters are our heroes and Joseph sounds like he was one in every sense of the word through out his life. A big Christian heart and smile! Just wanted to let you all know that even strangers are praying you through your loss.