Josiah Owen Leach

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Josiah Leach Obituary

Josiah Owen Leach

Josiah Owen Leach, age 22, passed away April 4, 2021. They were the beloved child of Carol and Joe; brother of Audrey Schuknecht (Matt) and James Leach; nephew of Jim and Lisa Love and Mike Leach; cousin of Zach and Jake; and Uncle to Christian and Gabriel Schuknecht. Josiah was a senior in the James Madison College at Michigan State University where they were studying Comparative Culture and Politics. They also worked as the Assistant Managing Editor at the MSU radio station/Impact 88.9 FM. They were a brilliant, courageous, funny, critical thinking, passionate, compassionate, mischievous and beautiful spirit. They were passionate about music, culture, learning and advocating for marginalized populations. They will be dearly missed by their family, friends and anyone who ever crossed paths with them. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be sent to either the Okra Project or the Trevor Project. www.mccabefuneralhome.com

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Published by Detroit Free Press & The Detroit News from Apr. 9 to Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Josiah Leach

11 Entries

The Lonergan Family

April 4, 2025

Remembering this amazing young son, brother & friend. In our thoughts often and wishing they were still here w/you. Seems like yesterday but yet so long ago. Much love to all.....

Noah Kim

August 29, 2024

It's been more than 3 years since Josiah's passing, yet I was reminded of their presence within my life today. They were such an avid listener of music. We had spent time attending online DJ sets on minecraft and talk about our favorite albums at the time. Recently, I had come across a song that Josiah had last listened to before their passing. It was "This Heaven Has Bars" by Pot Valiant. I had shown this to our friends after discovering this band, but the song now leaves a powerful listen since that April. Josiah motivated me in my arts and humanities; these were things that they had intimate grasp with. I can't thank them enough though. Back then when i was still thinking that this world was ugly, Josiah had always reminded me, and continues to be a reminder that there are beautiful people and things to love in this ugly world. Despite it all, your love was still true. I kept thinking this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you Josiah. But I've grown to love this world over time, with the same grace you've given me when I was at my ugliest.

Khal Malik

May 8, 2021

The first time I met Josiah I remember them saying “I’m glad I made a new friend today.” Josiah was a kind and gentle soul who cared immensely about the world around them. I was deeply saddened to hear of their passing, and only wish I could hear their laugh one more time. My deepest condolences to the Leach family, I wish you peace and healing during this time.

Jared benton

April 22, 2021

I love josiah very much. He meant very much to me, one of the first people to ever believe in me. I’ve been gone from him for a long time now. I’ve had dreams of him, I understood his sense of humor, he will be remembered and cherished in my heart. He was ahead of his time, he was interested in astral projection, lucid dreaming, meditation... he had far out dreams that aren’t easy to articulate.. I find myself struggling with this, especially when I’m not close to the people in my life like josiah. Always genuine :)

Love you always

The Lonergan Family

April 19, 2021

There are no words to express the depth of our sadness - a loss no parent should endure. What a light in this world they were - that smile! May they be at peace and may time bring you all peach as well. A thousand hugs and endless love to all. RIP Josiah. You are missed every minute of every day.

The Lonergan Family

April 19, 2021

Our hearts break with you every day. A loss no parent should ever endure - forever in your hearts. We are here for you always. A thousand hugs and endless love.....

Linnea Jimison

April 14, 2021

To the Leach family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Josiah personally, but their obituary appeared in the news on the same day as my mother's. I was deeply touched reading about their incredible life and accomplishments. I also come from a Spartan family and enjoyed hearing about all of Josiah's academic and extracurricular pursuits while at MSU. I've made a donation to the Trevor Project in their memory. My sincerest condolences.

Robin, Scott and Evan Suttell

April 13, 2021

While Evan knew and loved Josiah from their first day at MSU in Case Hall and shared many wonderful times with them over the past few years, Scott and I only met them twice when we were visiting. As journalists ourselves, we enjoyed talking about covering news and critical events with them as they had so much insight and passion about the things they wrote about. We are heartbroken for your family and send much love and caring your way during these sad times.

Emma Clemons

April 12, 2021

I didn't know Josiah well, we had one maybe two french classes together and I just remember them being so funny and being so amazing. They were so passionate about what they did and they always made me laugh in class. I am so shocked to hear of their passing and I send all my love to their friends and family.

Taryn Johnson

April 11, 2021

I'm grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing Josiah and of experiencing the light with which they touched my life. They never failed to make me or anyone else in the room laugh when they did something silly or cracked a joke. They were so intelligent, understanding, genuine, funny, and kind-hearted. I will miss Josiah deeply, and the world will miss their presence in it. I give my sincerest condolences to their family, and I hope they know they raised a beautiful person who made this world a better place. Rest in peace, Josiah.