John Glen Averett August 11, 1985 - April 23, 2025

John Glen Averett, 39, passed away April 23, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  John was born in Cedar City, Utah, to Brent and Dusty Dalby Averett on August 11, 1985. He was born early and only weighed 1 pound 14 ounces. The first three months of his life, John fought valiantly to survive. John was welcomed by his older brother, Jesse, who was born eleven months earlier. Jesse remained John’s best friend for life.

As a small child, John lived in a small house in Southwest Provo, Utah where his younger sister Ashley was born and only lived for ten hours. Two months later, his father Brent enlisted in the military and in July 1986, the family moved to Fort Bliss, Texas. In 1990, he was blessed with a little sister, Danielle.

After Brent was discharged from the military, in 1992, the family moved back to Utah and built a home in Payson where John was raised and lived for the rest of his life. He attended Payson schools and was a graduate of Payson High School. John discovered his love of basketball at an early age. Because his passion exceeded his physical limitations, John became a mentor and a basketball coach at Payson High School. He shared that passion for the game with countless players, and everyone that he knew.

John worked in various jobs in the community, beginning at the age of 14. He had a strong work ethic and often held more than one job. John grew up in the special education program where his true purpose manifested itself in helping others. This became his calling in life and where his huge heart shone.

John made friends with everyone he met, including furry friends. His passions in life gave him opportunities not only to meet his idols but to become friends with them. His one hero and true friend was Kobe Bryant who discussed basketball with John, called John “coach,” asked about his players, and gave him coaching tips. One of the most memorable things Kobe told John was “You have to hate losing more than you love winning” and “You are responsible for how people remember you or don’t, so don’t take it lightly.”  This became a guide for how John lived life.

John will be missed by so many: family, friends, coaches, players, coworkers, and students. He started working with boys’ basketball and still has many friends; the Lady Lions basketball team was especially close to his heart. He loved those girls and the coaches. They felt like family to him.

The family sincerely thanks everyone who has reached out to offer love and support. We especially thank the medical staff at St. Mark’s Hospital who worked valiantly to save our Johnny boy’s life.

Every day with John was a gift. Please do not be sad, as John would want us to cherish the memories and celebrate his life.

John is survived by his parents, Brent and Dusty Averett; and siblings, Jesse Brent (Brianne Hudson) Averett, and Danielle (Diana) Averett; and niece, Madison Ann Averett; nephew, Jaxon J Averett; and paternal grandmother, Evelyn Judy Steele Averett. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ashley Averett; maternal grandparents, Blanch Hanson and Eugene William Dalby; and paternal grandfather, Glen Anderson Averett.

There will be a celebration of John’s life from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 650 West 800 South, Payson, Utah. Please enter through the West door for the celebration. You are invited to join us for chips and salsa, John’s favorite, and to share memories and talk about good times. Supplies will be provided to share written messages and memories. These will be placed with John, by the family, before closing the casket. Please do not dress up. Wear L.A. Lakers colors, Payson Lions colors, your favorite sport team jerseys, or whatever you feel good in. Coach Johnny would be honored by your presence. He always loved everyone for the way they are.

There will also be a visitation on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.