Joshua “Josh” Sherman Ellison, 44 years old, passed away as a result of a paragliding collision on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Salt Lake County Flight Park, in the town of Draper, in which he resided.
Josh was born November 6, 1978, in Cottage Grove, Oregon to A. Rex Ellison and Terry “Teri” Ellison. Josh was the youngest of six children and is survived by all, including Millie Pinson of Florence, OR; Melissa McAllister and her husband Kenton of Rexburg, ID; Jared Ellison and his wife Courteney of Provo, UT; Jason Ellison and his wife Julie of Midway, UT; and Jenny Grover and her husband Paul of San Clemente, CA. His mother, Teri Ellison, resides in Rexburg, ID. His father, A. Rex Ellison, passed away in 2015 due to Parkinson’s disease. He also has 23 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews.
Above all else, Josh was a doting and committed spouse and parent. Josh is sealed to his sweetheart of 24 years, Brianne Schwartzer, both of whom are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His affection for Brianne was palpable every time they were in each other's company. They were each other's unwavering support and confidant. Together, they have four beautiful children: Kaiden (21), McKenna (19) and her fiancé, Peter Lund of Ellicott City, MD; Seer (14), and Saleen (12).
From an early age, Josh always gave his all into each project and entrepreneur opportunity. He had several successful business endeavors, owning several automotive companies, as well as being co-founder of an electronic product line. This was evident during his tenure as the President and Owner of Royalty Core Truck Grilles, an Oregon-based company, in which he showcased an F-350 Super Duty at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. His truck immediately captured the attention of onlookers, and he earned the prestigious Founder's Award, solidifying his reputation as the mastermind behind the finest truck on display.
In addition, Josh developed many talents over his lifetime, including his most beloved passions of basketball, motorcycling, mountaineering, snowboarding, and as of late, flying.
When given the opportunity to enroll in paragliding classes, Josh trained endlessly, becoming a devoted member, instructor and tandem (passenger) pilot. Fortunately, his work did not go unnoticed, as he was respectfully awarded the best paraglider pilot in 2022 due to his great success.
Should you have had the honor of crossing paths with Josh, you would undoubtedly leave the encounter as a more enriched individual. He had a remarkable knack for imparting wisdom and uplifting those around him, all while radiating kindness and consideration. His presence was substantial, his heart full, and his generosity unmatched.
Within the paragliding community, he was affectionately known as “Superhuman.” There will be a vigil held by UGHPGA paragliding community on Saturday, October 21 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Traverse Mountain HOA Grand Hall, 2175 W Chapel Ridge Road, Lehi, Utah 84043.
In the consecutive week, a funeral service in honor of Josh will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023. The viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, with the service following at 11:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 14919 Eagle Crest Drive, Draper, Utah 84020. A family luncheon to follow.
Pallbearers will include Josh’s son, Kaiden Ellison; his brothers, Jared Ellison and Jason Ellison; his brother-in-law’s, Kenton McAllister and Paul Grover; and his close friends and/or paragliding comrades: Todd Crowley, Chris Hunlow, Dave Dixon, Mack Wilson, Dustin Neet, Dustin Brant, and Robert Valdez.
An interment will follow the funeral service and will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah 84092.
“Your family should come first always and be the beacon of light within your daily/weekly engagement with them. It does not take money or possessions to enjoy life, it takes a different kind of riches.....your mind, your thoughts, your charity, and your actions.” ~ Josh S. Ellison
You will be missed our “Husband * Father * Brother * Friend”
If you would like to watch the recorded services online, please click on the blue "Watch Services" button above.
McKenna, please accept our condolences for the tragic death of your father. The Rexburg YSA 27th Ward is behind you. Let us know what we can do.
Bishop and Laurie Olsen
Teri, Gayle, Mary Lou, & all...
Condolences from all of us to all of you.
Josh did touch my life in positive ways even with very little interaction. Amazing. I am so very sorry that this passion of ours has taken him from you; it is not right! Please forgive us.
Wow what an extraordinary human being that was a five star General in the air and mentored all that new him everyone came to josh for the answers and his spirit and guidance will always be with us all amen I miss you vrother
Wow what an extraordinary human being that was a five star General in the air and mentored all that new him everyone came to josh for the answers and his spirit and guidance will always be with us all amen I miss you brother love you
Our deepest and sincerest condolences for you
and your family’s loss, Sending Love and Prayers .
Josh was filled with light and life. I met him only once, on a day where we were hoping to fly far. We ended up just soaring South Side, driving around, and getting In n Out, but it was a day I’ll always remember. His energy and insight were inspiring. It all makes sense, now that I found out that we both share the belief of families are forever. He was filled with the Spirit and he touched my life. My deepest condolences for his family and loved ones.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Ellison family.
As one the most recent to join the PC Paragliders community and a newer Speedflyer, Josh was one of the first to warmly greet and welcome me to the group. Although my interactions were few, his impact of being a warm and caring soul was immediate.
Fly higher with God Josh…🙏🙏🙏
Josh you are loved and missed. I look forward to our next meeting. Until then… Brothers in the Lord!