Listen to Obituary
Josh was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on February 19, 1981, and died on Friday, April 11th, 2025 at home after a brief bout with liver failure. He came to Utah as a young child to join his family through adoption. He had severe physical handicaps which necessitated numerous surgeries, but his spirit soared and he maintained enthusiasm for life and kept his fighting spirit to the end. He is affectionately known as our ‘Knucklehead Saint.’
Josh often spoke about playing on the Princeton Ward basketball team, but his first love was soccer, and he excelled on many Utah league teams. His skills in fixing computers were legendary and his ability playing video games always stunned his opponents-- his favorites games were Zelda, Gears of War, Super Mario 3, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter. His mind was encyclopedic; Josh was often asked questions instead of Alexa. From sports trivia to Simpsons’ dialogues, to UHF, he remembered it all. He enjoyed many trips with his good friend, Willi, going on safaris, river rafting, sky diving, bungie jumping in South Africa and as a special treat, attending a Bayern/Munchen soccer game.
Since becoming ill Josh has been lovingly cared for by his devoted siblings and mother, who can’t imagine life without his indomitable spirit and quirky humor.
Josh is survived by his mother, Suzanne Gardner Stott, beloved siblings Song (Hugh), Perry, Lindsay, Hunter (Mashell), Jesse (Hannah), Lillie (Heath), Latonya, Jimmy, and Fardowsa(Ali). Father, David (Cheryl), adored nieces and nephews, cherished aunts and uncles, and special cousins and friends too numerous to mention. He will miss most of all his daughters, Lexi and Ally Holt, and their mother, Melisa.
Private burial services will be held. Aufwiedersehen to our Hero.
To view the recorded service, please click on the Watch Service button above.
Guestbook/Condolences
Suzanne. Sorry to hear of Josh's passing.
He was a great man. May the Lord bless
You and your family! Love the McDonough's 🥰🙏💕⚘
Darling Suzanne,
From our earliest meeting back in Provo as students, we have admired and loved you as a soulmate, loving the same music, poetry, art, the beauties of nature and all the wonders of Creation, including our beautiful and, yes, at times challenging children.
And Josh was a favorite among the Florence kids.
Can’t wait to see him whole and as able as his heart has long desired. Fondly, Giles and Annie
I knew Josh mostly in Jr High and High School. We were acquaintances. I was going through an old year book and saw his photo and a ton of memories flooded back into my head. When I first met Josh. When Josh went through his first experimental treatment to elongate one of his arms. And when we had swim class together and I was totally blown away at how great of a swimmer he was.
I was saddened to learn that when I looked up Josh on Google, to see that he died. To his friends and family, I hope you take comfort in knowing that Josh had a very positive effect on people and I always admired his outlook. I think he and my brother may have known each other for a short period (my brother had cerebral palsy and went to East High for a year).
It's great to look through Josh's old photos and see all of the things he loved. My condolences to all.