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Jeremy Monroe Johnston, 53, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by his family who loved him more than anything in the world. Jeremy was born on March 28, 1971 in Powell to Jack and Carol Johnston. He lived his life in Wyoming, graduating from Powell High School in 1989, attending Northwest College for one year and finishing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Wyoming. In 2017, Jeremy received his Ph.D in American History from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
Jeremy cherished his childhood in Wyoming, spending time hunting, fishing and hiking with friends and family. He especially cherished his time with his grandparents from whom he developed a love of learning about the past. After Jeremy graduated from the University of Wyoming with his master’s degree, he returned home to Powell to begin a 15-year career as a History Instructor at Northwest College. There he developed lifelong friendships and inspired countless students. Following his tenure at Northwest, Jeremy began a career at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, first as the Managing Editor of the Papers of William F Cody, and then added the job of Curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum. Jeremy loved his job and the people he worked with. He particularly enjoyed opportunities for research and continued learning. Jeremy was always happy to write book reviews for authors who asked and was in the process of publishing his dissertation, “Two Rough Riders: Theodore Roosevelt and William F. Cody.”
Jeremy was a very active community member from the local to the national level. Jeremy was a past master mason of Absarokee Lodge #30, and member of the Eagles. He was also a current member of the Park County Historical Society, Pahaska Corral of Westerners, Theodore Roosevelt Association, American Heritage Center, Big Horn Basin Scottish Society, Western History Association, Wyoming Humanities Council, The Cody Heritage Museum Board of Directors and the Cosmos Club. He was dedicated to all of these worthy organizations and others, a testament to his incredible ability to value many causes, touching the lives of so many.
Those who knew him remember him for his academic accomplishments, but even more so, they remember his sense of humor. His ability to connect with people and make them laugh created a special place for him in hearts all over the world. Jeremy was always ready with a good joke in all situations, no matter how formal or relaxed. He was a storyteller, and was able to use his humor and his knowledge to share his love of history.
More than anything in the world, Jeremy loved his family and spending time with them. His son Jaxon was born in 1995. In 2002, he married the love of his life, Mandy, and together they welcomed Samuel in 2005 and Alexa in 2008. His three children were the light of his life and he was very proud of them. He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Jace and Theo.
Jeremy is survived by his wife Mandy, children Jaxon (Mallory) of Houston, Texas, Sam and Alexa, both of Powell, grandchildren Jace and Theo of Houston, Texas, parents Jack Johnston and Carol Johnston, sisters Jael (Casey) Fisher, and Jodee (Andy) Metzler, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium at Northwest College. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute (give.hunstmancancer.org) in Salt Lake City, Utah, or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (givenow.lls.org).
