Johnny (Jonathan Ellis) Morris, of Montpelier, flew away free on September 3rd, 2021, in the wee dark hours just as the day began. After a three and a half year journey with brain cancer, and just three days after his 42nd birthday, Johnny died at home in his sleep, with his loving wife nestled in beside him. Born August 31, 1979 in Nanticoke Territory/Salisbury, MD, Johnny moved to Abenaki Territory/Central Vermont to attend NECI in 2001. He felt right at home here in the green mountains, beneath the starry skies, wrapped in the warmth and connection he shared with the many dear friends he made with ease. Johnny had a gorgeous, welcoming smile, his kindness was palpable, and his hugs were divine. His genuine, pure-hearted spirit has been a gift to all who've had the pleasure and the privilege of sharing this wild and tender world with him. He was a delicious cook, a gifted builder by trade, and a prolific recording artist. He co-founded, produced, and performed with hip-hop duo Boomslang and the synth-pop group Champagne Dynasty, as well as creating brilliant instrumental tracks under the name JL. He had a zeal for digging for records, finding hidden gems within each album, and blending them with the rhythmic backbeats he created so naturally. His home production studio was one of his favorite places, and he spent countless hours there exploring, experimenting, and collaborating with friends, mentees, and fellow musicians. Above all else, Johnny's greatest joy and passion was his family. He was a loving and nurturing father, son, partner and friend, who savored kitchen dance parties and snuggles with his wife and kids, coaching and cheering Jaya's basketball team, cooking and conspiring with Jahana, watching Khalil drop-in the big bowls on his skateboard, and riding waves in the snow and the ocean with all of the above. He was and is deeply loved, and his rich legacy will live on through his music, beautifully crafted woodwork, and in the hearts and minds of his wife and dear friend Lindsay Armstrong, his amazing children, Jaya, Jahana, and Khalil, mother Barbara Knapp Morris, father John Morris (Avery), brother Whitney Morris (Michel), mother-in-law Suzanne Bryant (Les), and brother-in-law Jonathan Armstrong, along with a large and loving Maryland family, and many close friends in Vermont and beyond, all of whom stood by him and his family throughout his illness. A memorial and celebration of Johnny's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please share your courageous vulnerability with one another and truly appreciate those you love. If you feel called to support Johnny's children with a financial gift, donations can be made here: https://gofund.me/6bd16f0f. Johnny, we'll love you forever and miss you like mad!