If you’ve watched Days of Our Lives for more than a minute, you know the Horton and Deveraux names carry a certain weight. They are the blue bloods of Salem. But Jack Patrick "JJ" Deveraux? He was always the glitch in the system. While his sister Abigail was often the "perfect" child—at least on the surface—JJ was the kid who couldn't stop kicking the hornet's nest.
I’ve been looking back at his trajectory lately. It’s wild. Most legacy characters in soaps are born into a box. They’re either the hero or the villain. JJ, played with incredible raw nerve by Casey Moss, never really fit into either. He was a "troubled teen" who actually felt troubled, not just like a 25-year-old actor pretending to have a tantrum.
The London Fallout and the Daniel Jonas Feud
When JJ returned from boarding school in London back in 2013, he didn’t just come home; he exploded. His dad, the legendary Jack Deveraux, was presumed dead (again) in an elevator shaft. JJ was grieving, but it looked like pure, unadulterated malice.
He absolutely loathed Dr. Daniel Jonas.
Honestly, the chemistry of that feud was peak soap opera. JJ saw Daniel as the man trying to replace his father. He vandalized Daniel’s car. He lied. He manipulated his mother, Jennifer Horton. It was a mess. But if you look closer, he wasn't just being a brat. He was a kid who felt like his family had moved on from his father’s death too fast. He felt invisible in his own grief.
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That Scandalous Affair with Eve Donovan
If there is one storyline that defined the "JJ Deveraux Days of Our Lives" experience for fans, it’s the Eve Donovan debacle. This was messy. Like, really messy.
JJ was dating Paige Larson, a girl who was basically the human embodiment of a sunshine ray. She was sweet, smart, and totally good for him. Then enter Eve Donovan, Paige’s mother and Jennifer’s long-time rival.
The writers took a huge risk here. JJ and Eve ended up in bed together. It wasn't a romance; it was a self-destructive collision. When the truth came out—on Paige's birthday, no less—it shattered everything. It’s one of those moments in Salem history that people still bring up because it was so profoundly uncomfortable.
The Transformation: From Perp to Policeman
Most people expected JJ to end up in Statesville. Instead, the show did something interesting. They put him in the Salem PD.
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It’s a classic soap trope—the bad boy joins the force to find redemption. But for JJ, it wasn't a smooth ride. He struggled with the authority. He struggled with the "Horton" expectations. The most poignant moment of his career wasn't a big bust; it was the accidental shooting of Theo Carver.
This storyline showed the depth Casey Moss brought to the role. The guilt JJ felt led him to a very dark place, nearly resulting in a suicide attempt. It was heavy stuff for a daytime drama. It dealt with mental health and the weight of professional mistakes in a way that felt surprisingly grounded.
Where is JJ Deveraux Now?
JJ left Salem a few years back, eventually heading to South Africa. He’s popped in and out for family emergencies—like the tragic "death" of his sister Abigail—but he’s mostly been off-canvas.
Here is the latest update for 2026:
Casey Moss has continued to make guest appearances, including a notable return to officiate a wedding and reconnect with the family. As of early 2026, JJ remains a character that the show can pull out of their back pocket whenever they need a dose of real emotional stakes.
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Why JJ Works as a Character
- Legacy Ties: Being the son of Jack and Jennifer means he’s connected to almost everyone.
- The "Human" Factor: He makes terrible mistakes. He’s not a cardboard cutout hero.
- Musical Talent: Moss actually plays the guitar and sings, which the show integrated into his character, giving him a layer beyond just "troubled kid."
Quick Recap of JJ's Major Relationships
- Paige Larson: The tragic love of his life who was murdered by the Necktie Killer.
- Gabi Hernandez: A complicated, often rocky romance.
- Lani Price: A relationship that started with a massive lie but turned into a genuine bond.
- Haley Chen: The woman who helped him find his calling as an EMT before her own tragic exit.
Navigating the Legacy
If you're a fan trying to keep up with the Deveraux family tree, it gets complicated. Between Jack's many "deaths" and Abigail's recent storylines, JJ often acts as the emotional anchor for Jennifer.
The best way to appreciate the character is to look at his growth. He went from a kid smoking weed and smashing car windows to a man who literally saves lives as a paramedic. It’s a rare "slow burn" redemption arc that actually stuck.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you want to revisit the best of JJ, look for the 2013-2015 episodes on Peacock. Specifically, watch the "prodigal son" return arc and the climax of the Eve/Paige affair. For those following the current 2026 storylines, keep an eye on the Horton family gatherings—JJ is the type of character who always shows up when the family is at its breaking point.
Check out the official Days of Our Lives social media pages or the Peacock app for the most recent clips of Casey Moss. His portrayal remains a masterclass in how to take a "legacy kid" and make them a standalone icon.