Joshua James Holden

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Joshua James Holden. Josh left this Earth on November 19th, 2024 at the age of 46. Josh was born on January 11th, 1978 in Jacksonville, Florida to Guy and Lucy Holden, though he loved most of his life in Tallahassee, Florida. Josh was a devoted family man, a Christian, a lifelong amateur herpetologist, an outdoorsman, and one hell of a pool player. Josh was known as a generous and loyal friend who would give you the shirt off his back and be there whenever he was called. He was selfless, intelligent, brave, generous, witty, kind, and well loved by all. He went through life fearlessly, climbing trees, doing backflips, jumping dirt bikes and four wheelers, wrestling alligators, and catching snakes and all kinds of reptiles. He approached nature with awe and wonder and often spent time exploring the forests near his childhood home. Josh was most truly at home when he was in nature. Josh loved music. The rich soundtrack of his life was filled with blues, rock, grunge, metal and a myriad of great musicians, especially guitar players. A voracious reader, Josh enjoyed the works of Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Josh shared his love of music and guitar with his sons and instilled in them the work ethic, chivalry, and tenacity that he lived by through example. Josh never backed down from a challenge. He loved boxing, hated bullies and believed in solving conflicts honorably. Josh had a natural affinity for animals and children. He was instantly loved by his nieces and nephews and took to being the “cool uncle” naturally. Whether it was giving motorcycle rides, showing off a snake he caught, listening to stories, or just answering questions, his warm smile and kind eyes always left a lasting impression. The pets of the family knew Josh well and were always immediately at ease with him. Perhaps sensing a kindred spirit who was there to give scratches and pets. Josh, a skilled plumber by trade, approached both his work and life with unwavering dedication, relentless drive, and a meticulous eye for detail- finding joy in the hands-on application of his lifelong craft. As a fiercely competitive pool player, he possessed a natural talent for understanding angles and geometry and channeled his sharp intellect into physical and practical expressions. It’s impossible to state the great many things that Joshua James Holden was in life. He leaves behind a large family and group of friends who are grief stricken and heartbroken with his loss but find solace that he lives on with his Father in Heaven. Josh was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Holden, James Drewyor and Vernon Hall, as well as his maternal grandmother Nita Drewyor. Joshua is survived by his sons Austin, Malachi Gage, and Jaiden; his mother Lucille Poppell, step father Jeff Poppell; his father Guy Holden, step mother Roxanne Holden; his siblings Jeremiah, Melissa, Rachel, and Jordan; his grandmother Ann Hall; his loving partner and high school sweetheart Faith Tipler and her children Adrian, Isaac, and Thomas; his nieces and nephews Saige, Melia, Sofia, Ariella, Nathan, Leonidas, Weston, Tanner, Brantley, and Karley; as well as many loving Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins. Memorial service to be held on Friday November 29th at Northwoods Church at 3762 Capital Circle Northwest, Tallahassee, FL 32303. With a streaming service located at: Northwoods Church Tallahassee - YouTube The family asks in lieu of flowers for plants or small trees that can be planted in Josh’s memory.

Joshua James Holden

January 11, 1978 - November 19, 2024