Paris Johnson, 29, of Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 28. He would have celebrated his 30th birthday Dec. 20.
Born into a military family in Sacramento, California, Paris moved often in his youth, living in, among other places, San Diego, Honolulu and Tualatin, Oregon. As an adult he resided in several cities within Arizona before moving to Chicago.
Paris' passion for ocean life started at a young age, when he volunteered at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. He pursued his passion by receiving scuba diving training, for which he received a certificate through the Maricopa Community College in Arizona. This further launched his Marine Biology education at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Paris also loved to learn new things. He was musically and vocally talented and a skilled cook and baker. As an avid reader, he also enjoyed a good debate, for which he came well prepared.
Paris traveled the world as a flight attendant for American Airlines for over five years. He loved diving in the waters of Mexico and St. Lucia. His last trip to Bermuda, in November of 2023, was filled with fun memories shared by his co-workers.
Paris was the beloved son of Carol Johnson of Surprise, Arizona and is also survived by his father, Lars Johnson of San Diego, California. He will be greatly missed by his siblings David (and sister-in-law Tara) of Oregon; Timothy of Arizona; Dominic (and sister-in-law Candelaria) of Colorado; and Robin of California.
He was predeceased by maternal grandparents Walter and Thelma Stenulson of Seaside, Oregon, and paternal grandparents Frank and Frances Johnson Jr. of National City, California. Before his Grandpa Walt's passing, Paris enjoyed being his fishing buddy and digging for clams. Paris and his Grandpa Johnson shared the love of reading comic books. Paris also enjoyed helping and learning from his Grandma Johnson in the kitchen.
Paris had a very special bond with his Aunt Marla Johnson, who called him her "Pear-Man." Paris was known as "Tio" (versus uncle) to his nieces and nephews alike, among them Victoria, Tristan, Max, Amelie, Alexis, Sakura, William, Charlotte, Catherine, and the late Jordann. Paris enjoyed spoiling the little ones during Christmas and insisted on being in charge of stuffing the stockings with a lot of sweets!
Paris' loving partner, Chris Hallett of Chicago, misses him deeply, as does his best friend Tyler Cronin and many other friends and co-workers who have shared so many stories about the positive impact Paris made in each of their lives. He was the kind of friend you wanted in your corner. He could be brutally honest while exhibiting the most compassionate heart to those who shared with him.
A "Celebration of Life" honoring Paris will be held on Jan. 18, 2024 in Surprise, Arizona. Any individuals wishing to attend are asked to send an email with their contact information to Paris' mother, Carol Johnson, at CelebrateParis2024@gmail.com The family has requested that, in lieu of sending flowers, please donate to one of Paris' favorite charities. Please email for more information. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com .
