Joseph Edward Van Dam

Joseph Edward Van Dam, age 41, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah from an accidental overdose. Joseph was born November 13, 1984 in New Orleans, Louisiana and adopted by David and Cynthia Van Dam becoming the second of eventually five children. In a household of 4 boys and 1 girl, Joe was a lively and rambunctious presence. He later moved to Utah as a teenager where he spent most of his adult life except for short periods in Omaha, Nebraska and back in New Orleans.
Joe always made friends wherever he went. He was never content to be a wallflower and always made himself known in any group of people. He had a big booming voice and laugh that suited his large stature. Joe naturally worked in sales much of his life and always seemed to relish his ability to talk to people. He once quipped that he was so good at it, he would "get all up in their medulla oblongata". He loved the mountains of Utah and would escape to Big Cottonwood Canyon whenever he could.
He had numerous nieces and nephews who loved to spend time with their Uncle Joe, teasing and being teased by him. Later in life he was able to reconnect with his biological parents, Sheila Harris and Jarryl Laurent, and their families. He was grateful for the love and reception of his extended family and spoke highly of how accepted and welcome he felt.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Utah Hospital for all their care and kindness. Because of the excellent care that Joseph received, he was able to be a successful organ donor and bless the lives of 4 other people and their families.
He was preceded in death by his mom Cindy, his biological mother Sheila and a niece Gabriella Baesler.
He is survived by his dad David, biological father Jarryl, siblings Robert (Sarah) Van Dam, Daniel (Janine) Van Dam, Sarah (Kip) Baesler, Brian Van Dam. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Katie, Alexis, and Charlotte Van Dam, Audrianna, Layla, Amelia, and Chance Baesler, Lucy, Evelyn, and James Van Dam.
Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, 3613 Saint Charles Avenue in New Orleans, LA on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 5:00pm. A second memorial service will be held in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah at a date and location to be
determined.