Joshua Loren Ross
It is with great sadness that our son, brother, uncle, and friend, Joshua Loren Ross, has unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 44.
Josh was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 17, 1979, to Larry and Sandra Ross (Simpson). As a young boy, Josh carried with him a bright and joyful smile. His demeanor was easily recognized through his smile and his bright green eyes. His contagious energy filled every room with joy.
Josh was a graduate of Charlotte Senior High School in 1997. Followed by furthering his education at Baker College and Sienna Heights University earning his Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Architectural Technology. This education afforded Josh opportunities to pursue a career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where he was able to start his career path with the State of Michigan, where he thrived for 15 years and moved quickly to upper management.
Soon after, Josh was able to move to sunnier shores in North Carolina in a civilian position performing GIS duties at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Most recently, Josh moved closer to home with a position at Detroit Wayne County Port Authority as a Senior GIS Analyst where he oversaw multiple projects and associates.
Joshua’s love of music played an intricate role in his life. He compiled a tremendously impressive record collection and always knew detailed knowledge of a “plethora” of artists. Josh was extremely talented and had a rare ability to play the guitar and coronet by ear.
Josh was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and was a strong, thoughtful humanitarian who was known for his kindness and generosity by everyone who had the luck to have encountered such a special person. Josh’s heart was made of gold, and he had strong abilities to make any difficult situation better with wit and humor. Regardless of the challenges he confronted, he continuously tried to make the world a better place.
Josh was an avid motorcyclist and inherited this love from his father. He loved to travel on day trips across the state of Michigan. He enjoyed reading on a daily basis. One of his favorite pastimes was watching classical Hollywood cinema, such as, Mommy Dearest, which is why he never kept wire hangers in his home.
Joshua was loved by many and could easily make friends wherever his wheels took him. Josh will forever be missed, and his memory will be carried on by everyone who loves him. Joshua’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his mother, Sandra (Wayne) Simpson; his father, Larry (Robyn) Ross; and his siblings, Jason (Daniel Rodquiez) Ross, Jeffrey Ross, Amber (Jeremy) Sinke, Angel (Tim King) Andrews, and Joshua Simpson.
His memory will also be carried on by his aunts and uncles, Cindy Albrect, Sheryl (Jeff) Towe, Linda (Mickey) Brown, Lori (Rick) Hart, Loretta Savoie, Donald Webb, Randy (Helen) Webb, Daryl Webb, Gary (Paula) Ross, Rodney (Lisa) Ross, Robert (Cheryl) Ross, Jay (Lisa) Ross, Kevin (Robin) Ross; as well as many cousins, his closest being Naomi (Blake) Miller. He will be missed and cherished by his nephews, Miles Sinke and Kadence Andrews; and his nieces, Penny and Lilly Sinke, and Kalli (Matt) Mongar.
Joshua is preceded in death by grandparents, Don and Joyce Webb, Harry and Velma Ross, John and Phyllis Simpson, Bill Hitshew, Don and Yvonne McClure; aunt, Rolene Hitshew; and cousins Joel Ross and Deanna Wacker.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family received friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, Joshua would appreciate that you plant a tree in his memory or make a contribution to a local Al-Anon or other peer support groups.
To view Joshua’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.