Joshua Bryan May

Joshua Bryan May (Josh) was born on September 25th, 1999. He came 3 weeks early, surprising his mom and dad, as he would continue to do throughout his life. From that very early morning in September when he entered this world until he left, he changed all who knew him.

Josh grew up in Council Bluffs, IA where he attended Gunn Elementary, Kirn Middle School, and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He had a love for skateboarding early and picked up the long board later. He loved to camp and fish, and when he was at the water, he found his peace. He played football and baseball during childhood, and he was a talented athlete. He could master just about any activity he set his mind to whether it was golf, or racquet ball, or weightlifting, or perfecting tricks on his Kendama. And in all these things, he was a competitor. Once he could ‘do’ something, he wanted to do it better.

In addition to being good at all those things, Josh was a wonderful musician. He could play the drums and hold down a beat for any song, throwing in an improvised solo when the spirit moved him. But his guitar was his love. He had an ear and love for music. He could listen to a song and within minutes play it with his own flair. The music lived in him.

Josh was fiercely loyal to his family and friends, and he had an uncanny ability to make others feel seen and valued. His fight with addiction throughout his adolescent and adult years gave him understanding and wisdom beyond his age. He saw the best in others and wanted, more than anything, to help. To help others understand or see or go through or celebrate the moments and the magnitude of life.

Josh was a protector. An advocate. A believer. He was funny and smart and sarcastic and caring and honest and good. He was a friend and a confidant and a fighter. He was his father’s son, his sister’s home, his mother’s boy.

Josh left this world on July 2nd, and the lives of those he loved and who will always love him are irreparably broken. He is survived by many friends he cared for dearly. He leaves in this world his sister, Jessica May; his dad and stepmom, Bryan May and Sandra Mayfield; his mom and stepdad, Susan and Jim Hadley, and family near and far.

Josh wouldn’t have wanted a sad or serious gathering, so the family invites you to join us for an informal and joyful remembrance. Following the memorial, please stay for a light meal and continued fellowship and celebration of Josh’s life.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 23rd at 11am, Citylight Church, 4383 Nicholas Street, Omaha, NE 68131

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Josh’s name to Sienna Francis House at 1702 Nicholas St, Omaha, NE.

Please share your memories of Josh and condolences with his family by adding a memory below.