Joshua Warren Jennings

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” — Isaiah 6:8

Joshua Warren Jennings, 22, lived with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Isaiah 6:8 was his favorite Bible verse, and he believed deeply that God had called him to serve as a firefighter and Advanced EMT. For Joshua, answering that call was more than a career—it was his purpose.

Joshua joined the Evington Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 15, before he was old enough to respond to calls. On his 16th birthday, as soon as school ended, he met with the fire chief to receive his radio and gear so he could begin answering calls. From that moment forward, whenever someone needed help, Joshua’s response was clear: “Here am I. Send me.”

While completing dual enrollment during his senior year of high school, Joshua earned his EMT certification. He graduated from Brookville High School in 2022 and continued his education and training to become an Advanced EMT. He responded to as many calls as possible and took great pride in being someone others could rely on during their most difficult moments. Among his proudest accomplishments were being named Firefighter of the Year and Top Call Runner.

Following high school, Joshua worked for Amherst County Public Safety while volunteering with the Campbell County Volunteer Rescue Squad. He later served as an EMT with Centra Health and in Pittsylvania County. Most recently, Joshua worked at O’Reilly Auto Parts, where his dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic quickly earned him a promotion to assistant manager.

Joshua was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fay and James Jennings, his grandfather Sam Aughey, his beloved grandmother, Sharon Keesee, and his uncle Chris Jennings.

He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Samantha Jennings; his sister, Casey Rice, and brother-in-law, Nathan Rice; his sister, Tara Jennings; his brother, Sean Jennings; his fiancée, Morgan Jernigan, and her daughters, Olivia and Victoria; his great-grandmother, Eleanor Lewis; his grandmother, Sally Aughey; his grandfather Curt Keesee; his uncles Curtis Kessee III (Tiffany), Sonny Ashby (Elizabeth); his aunt Kristi Jennings; and many other relatives, friends, fellow first responders, and community members whose lives he touched.

Joshua loved his fiancée, Morgan Jernigan, deeply and cherished her daughters, Olivia and Victoria, as his own. He was a devoted and hardworking son, brother, fiancé, and father figure. He was also eagerly anticipating becoming an uncle in November and was already looking forward to meeting and loving his nephew. Joshua was always willing to help others, although he rarely asked for assistance himself. His courage, determination, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others will never be forgotten.

Although Joshua’s life was far too brief, he fulfilled the calling God had placed upon his heart. He ran toward those in need, offered strength and comfort during moments of fear, and served his community with courage and compassion. Joshua did not merely cherish the words of Isaiah 6:8—he lived them. Whenever the call came, his answer was always, “Here am I. Send me.”

There will be an open visitation for Joshua on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 6-8pm at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

A Celebration of Joshua's Life and Faith Service will follow on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10am officiated by Pastor Jonathan Falwell at Thomas Road Baptist Church, Pate Chapel.