JT Brill

JT Brill, 23, of Avon, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026.

JT was born on August 30, 2002, in Springfield, Illinois, to David and Brenda Brill. In 2012, the family moved to Indiana, where JT grew up, graduated from Avon High School, attended Ivy Tech Community College, and most recently worked alongside his brother, Jonathan, at the UPS hub in Plainfield.

If you knew JT, you probably remember his smile first. It was almost always there. Right behind it was a sarcastic comment, a prank, or a joke that would have everyone laughing. He had a quick wit, loved dark humor, and never missed the chance to make someone smile. He loved being the center of attention and had the confidence to pull it off.

JT loved spending time with his family and friends, playing video games, collecting sneakers and Pokémon cards, and hanging out with his German Shepherd, Ghost. He enjoyed trying his luck playing Huff and Puff slot machines and was a loyal Michigan Wolverines fan. He also cheered for the New England Patriots, not because they were the Patriots, but because he was a Tom Brady fan.

One thing everyone knew about JT was that he would help anyone. If he thought someone needed something more than he did, he'd give it to them without thinking twice. Whether it was his time, his last dollar, or the shirt off his back, helping people was simply who he was.

He had a special way with kids, remembered the most random facts, and somehow always knew exactly what to say to make people laugh. At home, one of the family's favorite jokes was Jonathan convincing people that JT was adopted.

His family will always hear two of his favorite sayings in their heads: "Alllllright!" and "That's what I would say if I was a bitch."

One of the things his family will miss most is how every phone call ended with a family member or a friend. JT always said, "I love you," and he wouldn't hang up until you said it back. Looking back, that's one of the greatest gifts he could have left the people who loved him.

JT is survived by his parents, David and Brenda Brill; his brother Jonathan; his sisters Julia and Josie; his grandmother, Sara Higgins; his great-grandmother, Annette LaRosa; his aunts and uncles, Connie and Ken Batsell, Gary and Cindy Higgins, Jimmy and Shannon Higgins, Melissa Clay, Brian Higgins, Danny Brill, and Christine Brill; many cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, his brothers by choice, Charles and Julian; additional family members Marilyn Jordan and Chrisy Chavez; his girlfriend Brooklyn; countless friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jim Higgins and Ralph Brill; his grandmother, Barbara Brill; his uncle, Cordell Clay; and his cousin, Krystofer Batsell.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate JT's life at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Centers – Speedway, 2950 N. High School Road, Indianapolis. Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again Saturday, July 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at West Ridge Park Cemetery.

Twenty-three years was not enough time with JT. The people who loved him wish they had more laughs, more jokes, more phone calls that ended with "I love you," and just one more day with him. While our hearts are broken, we're thankful for every memory he gave us. We hope everyone who knew JT remembers him the way we always will; with a smile on his face, a joke ready to tell, and a heart that would help anyone. He truly made our lives brighter and better, and we will carry him with us every day.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue at https://www.idgsr.org/.