John Howard Johnson

John Howard Johnson, known to family and friends as Howard, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 71. Howard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a lifetime resident of the Shelton community, near Ririe, Idaho, where he built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and hard work. Howard passed peacefully at his home on the family farm homesteaded by his grandfather, where he lived for most of his life.

Howard was born on August 19, 1954, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Wayne and Flora Johnson. He was raised with strong values of honesty, hard work, and dependability that guided him throughout his life. He attended Ririe High School, Ricks College, and Brigham Young University, graduating with degrees in agronomy and hydrology. In his last year at BYU, he met his future eternal companion, Nancy Lynne Adamson. On December 1, 1979, Howard and Nancy were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. They just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. They raised eight wonderful children.

Howard had a 40-year career working first for the U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division, and then the Natural Resources Conservation Service, where he was known for his quality work and dependability. He retired in 2019. His favorite job and true passion was farming; he was in his element while on the tractor or working with livestock. He was active in his community, serving as a board member for the Ririe School District for many years and loved attending as many events as his time allowed.

Outside of work, Howard loved being with his family. In addition to working on the farm together, he enjoyed a variety of family activities including traveling, camping, riding ATVs, fishing, and scouting – devoting countless hours as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He felt privileged to have attended three National Scout Jamborees. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren in all their sports and other activities.

Throughout his life, Howard was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in numerous leadership positions and other callings. He loved his time serving as a full-time missionary in the Los Angeles, California mission as a young man and in his later years loved serving in the Primary. He loved to be in the temple and attended regularly. His faith was personal and deep, lived out humbly and diligently through service, care for others, and a consistent devotion to God.

Howard was a dedicated family man, and his greatest joy was his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Johnson; eight children: Craig Johnson; Brian Johnson (Adri); Laura Grant (Matthew); Daniel Johnson (Susie); Nathan Johnson (Tiffani); Julie Núñez (Ricardo); Amy Schiess (Alan); and Matthew Johnson (Jessica); 26 grandchildren; his sister, LaRae Moss; and his brother, Robert Johnson (Kristy). He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Flora Johnson, and his brother-in-law Brent Moss.

Howard will be remembered as a true friend, master conversationalist, and eloquent speaker; someone who was unfailingly generous, patient, thoughtful, and kind. His legacy lives on through his family and the values he instilled in them through his teachings and example.

Funeral services will be held at the Ririe Stake Center, 14061 North 130 East, Ririe, Idaho, on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Viewings will be held at the same location on Tuesday, January 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and again on Wednesday, January 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.