John E Packard III

Born on August 21, 1971 to Dianna and John E. Packard, Jr., John-John, later known as John, Johnny, and/or JP, was never one to take the easy route. Even at birth, he was in a NICU unit for a bit, before coming home. He endured eye surgery and eyeglasses before his first birthday, something that continued throughout his life.

He was a bit of a wild child, riding bikes with his brothers and friends, even venturing as far as the Benton Blvd and I-70 area, from time to time. He would join his brothers and buddies to pick sides and engage in playful BB gun wars in the woods near where he grew up. He was the kid that would do what none of the others were brave enough (or crazy enough) to try!

He loved hosting gatherings of all kinds - BBQs, pool parties, and holiday celebrations. He took great pride in the success of bringing the whole family together.

He transitioned to a more family-centric Johnny, focusing on kids, grandchildren, and career. Always one to gloat on his grandchildren, he wouldn’t stop smiling as he boasted. He spoke of how proud he was of his children and the adults they have become.

He began working at Robandee United Super in 9th grade. He transitioned that to a position as a PepsiCo merchandiser and eventually to Coke, where he spent three decades.

JP often worked long hours, and for several years worked side jobs to provide. He spent time as a process server, and later in security.

He idolized his father, trying to emulate him in many ways. He even became a security officer, complete with his K9 Ceaser, to get as close as he could to how his father felt while working in law enforcement.

His wife, Kelli, was his rock. Through thick and thin, she was solid, always there as the steady foundation that held everything together. In his last year, he commented nonstop what a lucky man he was to have her.

In 2021, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had a chilling effect on the workaholic grandpa he had been. It weighed on his health and his mind. He could no longer be Superman. From that point on, he struggled to stay healthy. On May 9th, it finally got the better of him.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Kelli, of nearly 29 years, his children, Nicole Utt, of Kansas City, MO, Brittany and Jakson Kittleson of Independence, MO, Briar Packard and Khwanta Burns of Lawrence, KS, Shelby Packard of Kansas City, MO, and nine grandchildren, brother Philip, of Harrisonville, MO, sister Kathy, of Windsor, MO, and brother Bill and Tonia of The Villages, FL.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jonathan, and his father, John Jr.

Visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on May 15, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

A Funeral will take place at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on May 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Graveside service will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, US, on May 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.