Brian Ross

James Brian Ross entered this world on April 18, 1973. He passed away on February 26, 2023, in Cedar City. His proud parents are Jim and Kathy Ross.
Brian was a quiet, fun-loving little boy. He liked to be outside "mowing" the lawn with his plastic riding tractor with a plastic grocery bag tied to the back for the clippings. He also loved large machines and could watch them for hours. Sunday afternoon drives included many construction sites so he could admire the dirt movers.
He also loved sports and was a loyal and enthusiastic New York Yankees fan. Brian played T-ball, then started his Little League career at age ten with the 7-Up team. They were not a very successful team, but by the time he was twelve, Brian had become a very good pitcher and made the All-Star team. In high school, he pitched for the Cedar High Redmen. The sport he loved to play most was golf. From the age of twelve, he played at Cedar Ridge. Brian continued playing golf in high school and was part of two championship teams.
Brian was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his late twenties. This terrible disease took much of the joy out of his life, but he didn't complain and continued to work hard and be cheerful. Brian didn't feel well much of the time, but he seldom took a day off.
Although he was a very good student, Brian decided he wanted a career in which he could use his hands. He became an apprentice plumber at Zion Plumbing. His work took him to large jobs from Cedar City and St. George to southern California and southern Arizona. He plumbed several schools, hospitals, large water projects, and everything in between. Brian made friends everywhere he went. He was well known for his tremendous work ethic and wicked sense of humor. He was also a perfectionist on the job site. Brian believed it didn't take any longer to do the job right. Brian also served many friends and family members who needed someone with his skills.
On June 19, 2007, Brian became a father to his son, James Kylan Ross, who was his pride and joy, his everything. Never has a son been loved more than Brian loved Kylan. All of Brian's friends and family continually heard about this amazing son of his. More than anything, he wanted to live long enough to see Kylan grow up. He often stated that Kylan was his motivation to endure the pain he felt from his illness.
Brian was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was not active but believed it to be true. He believed the atonement of Jesus Christ was for everyone, but he didn't quite believe he deserved it for himself.
We are grateful for the knowledge that his older brother, Jesus Christ, welcomed Brian home, where he will continue to learn and progress in the next life, and that he may come to this sure knowledge for himself. Brian is survived by his son, Kylan, his parents Jim and Kathy Ross; His siblings Jamie (Clint) Paulson, Mike (Alecia) Ross, and Toni Ross; Beloved nieces and nephews, Caleb and LeighAnne Paulson, Peri Caitlin Paulson, Kysa, Halle, and Jax Ross. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved also survive him. Brian had many dear friends who meant the world to him. He thought of them and their kids as his family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lowell and Farilyn Edwards, James Sylvan Ross, and Ada Ross Roesner, and his cousin, Kelli Edwards. Our family wishes to thank all of you who have helped Brian throughout his life, taught him, and loved him. He will be dearly missed, and we look forward to the day we will see him again.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 North 300 West) in Cedar City at 12:00. Friends may call on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 6 to 8 PM, and on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Interment will be at the Cedar City cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at www.mortuary.org