Peter Cranston Johns, Jr., age 40, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday October 23, 2026. He was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Peter Cranston Johns, Sr., and Kristi Ann Waldbillig. He was best known, simply as PJ. 

He will be remembered best as a warm-hearted charismatic individual that simply never met a stranger, and his gift to the world of three beautiful daughters. PJ lived life to its fullest and then some. He loved and rooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes, always tuning into the games. He never established a career but worked at various trades, such as lawn care, and construction, and for a while at Wendy's in the fast-food industry. As a young teenager he loved playing golf, and he always loved the outdoors. He loved family gatherings and he loved people. If there was a party, PJ was there if he knew about it. His desire in life was to become a Barber, and he was extremely talented at that, but never quite made it to the finish line to be State licensed. He is survived in life by his father Peter Cranston Johns, Sr. (Linda), and mother Kristi Ann Waldbillig-Johns-Schaefer. Daughters, Sydney (Austin) Ballenger, Addyson Johns, and Braelynn Johns. Siblings Ty Johns, Erik Johns, Tatum Schaefer (Corinthian Snider, Jr.), Danny Michael Johns (Deceased), Aunts and Uncles, Margaret Pentecost, Shirley Anderson, Carl (Amy) Waldbillig, Vickie Brehm (Deceased), Cindy (Brian) Nesgoda. Many cousins and other extended family on both sides. PJ will be cremated, (ashes to ashes) as a part of his belief. 

There will be a Memorial Service on Sunday November 8, 2026, 2:30 - 4:30 pm at: Evans Funeral Home 4171 East Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43227, for those whose lives he touched, to pay final tribute to him. The service will be open, unoffeciated, and anyone who wishes to share how their lives were touched will have an opportunity to speak. Please share.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Smart Recovery in PJ'S name. SMART Recovery USA, Inc. (EIN 52-1811500) 7304 Mentor Ave Ste F, Mentor, OH 44060 giving@smartrecovery.org (440) 951-5357 They are recovery for Addiction throughout Ohio and beyond, with group meetings in Columbus and other towns and cities in Ohio. 

Let's all come together to help cure this disease.