Josiah Andrew Kawamura

Josiah Andrew Kawamura was born March 11, 1996, in Mesa, AZ, and grew up in Northglenn, CO. He arrived almost 2 months early, after some in-utero conversations with his auntie created an overwhelming desire to experience the world immediately. His small size and premature birth did not diminish his strong will and big personality. Josiah was whip-smart, and even at 2 years old, would remember everyone he had ever met, everything he had ever read, and every song he had ever heard.

Josiah had a natural curiosity about life and the world around him, and was constantly seeking to increase his knowledge. He was very selfaware and introspective. He loved to debate people about sometimes difficult topics as he had little interest in things that were superficial or materialistic.

Josiah was a beautiful boy with the most amazing eyelashes and intense depth in his eyes. He enjoyed music, comedies, and documentaries. Most of all, he loved spending time with his girlfriend, family and friends. He was especially fond of his younger siblings, and was such a great big brother. He had a strong sense of loyalty for those he loved, and a very protective nature for anyone he felt was being mistreated. He would not hesitate to put his own life on the line to save another.

During his too short life, Josiah taught himself how to play drums at the age of 12, even making an entire drum set out of: pails, pots, pans, lids and a cowbell. He could play any song on his homemade drum set and make it sound amazing. His musical and artistic abilities extended into writing lyrics and rapping, even performing at live shows and recording music in his uncle Jamil’s studio. His command of language was incredible, and people who heard him were in awe of his talent. Josiah graduated as an Audio Engineer from KMG music school in Boulder, CO.

Josiah was fearless his entire life. He loved adventure and trying new things. He enjoyed hiking with his cousins and his grandma, and hurling himself through the air at the skatepark. He was the first in line at theme parks, and the more thrilling the ride, the more he wanted to be on it! During his football years, he was noted for his physicality and ability to block players twice his size. Fearless.

Around 12 years old Josiah developed an interest in World War 2 and could tell you all about the battles fought, life in wartime service and issues faced by those who lived through it. This led to his interest in guns and knives. He not only learned how to properly use them, but researched the history and everything related to the specific gun or knife at hand. His love of shooting led to a desire to work at a range, where he could teach safety and proper shooting techniques. Josiah loved to cook, and he could

chop vegetables very rapidly without even looking at his hands, he was very entertaining this way. Between music, philosophy, cooking and shooting, Josiah had so much to offer this world and had an incredible future ahead of him.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 25. While we will never understand why this happened, if it was an accident, if it was intentional, we are choosing to honor his memory by focusing on the impact he had on the people who loved him and on the world. Early on, Josiah had made the decision to be an organ and tissue donor. Through the work of Donor Alliance, his wish was granted and he was able to save and/or provide a better quality of life for between 30 and 40 people.

Josiah leaves behind his loving mother, Rebecca Kawamura, his father, Bill Huff, his brothers Dominic and Elijah, his sisters Alexandria and Danika. His grandparents William and Gail Kawamura, and Bo and Cheryl Huff. His aunties and uncles; Shannon Kawamura (Shane Glisan), Billy Kawamura (Sheela Sanchez), Julie Kawamura (Jamil Williams), Jill Kawamura, Manny (Michelle) Huff, and Joycina Huff (Gabe Rubio). His girlfriend, Missy Espinoza, and numerous nephews, cousins and friends.

If you are struggling with depression in your life please reach out.

coloradocrisisservices.org

1-844-493-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255

Our Family would like to thank Donor Alliance for the compassion and grace they showed us during this difficult time.

We would like to thank everyone for all the love and support. We have set up a gofundme page to help with the funeral and burial cost.

https://gofund.me/a7c86127