Joshua Jon Jones

The family of Dave and Barb (Sheridan) Jones didn't realize how their world, and their family, was about to change on August 19, 1975 when Joshua Jon Jones made his dramatic arrival into this world. He joined his older siblings Monte, Jody, and Jennie at their home in Wray. Later the family would be completed with younger sister Monica.
Josh attended school in the Wray Public School District. During his elementary and junior high years, parent-teachers conference reports would tell Dave and Barb about Josh's golden behavior, how helpful he was, and his kindness toward other students. Dave and Barb would shake their heads, wondering how this was the same child that lived in their home. It was decided that Josh used up his best behavior during the school hours, and when he got home, he let his energy out by tormenting his siblings. He took on the role of little sister's protector and had success at scaring away any boys that tried to talk to her; dating her was definitely off the table. During high school, he participated in football for a few years, but he enjoyed playing basketball all four years. He was active in FFA and ag class so it was no surprise that his favorite teacher was Mr. Mike Miller. Josh graduated from Wray High School with the Class of 1994.
Josh caught "Cowboy Fever" at a young age. His favorite TV shows were Gun Smoke and Bonanza and you could always find him watching all of the John Wayne movies when he got a chance. In high school, he had a desire to learn how to rope and worked to convince his brother-in-law, Jason to teach him. The real work began though as he spent many hours roping a bucket and a bale of hay for accuracy before Jason would even let him swing at the roping dummy. In 1992, Josh found the most loyal of girlfriends, Dolly, and of course he had to purchase her. Shortly after, Dolly colic'd resulting in a sleepless night of endless walking. From that night on, those two were inseparable and had a love only understood by other horse owners. Many books could be written about the adventures of Josh and Dolly, "Paint". Josh progressed with his roping skills and went on to compete in many team roping events. A treasured roping memory was when Josh and Jason went together and upon returning home, Josh pulled out the trophy saddle, sharing his excitement that he beat out his instructor by just a few points. For several days, Josh enjoyed teasing Jason that maybe he should go back to the basics and rope the bucket.
On November 18, 1995, Josh married Michelle Irwin. That union began his family with daughter Darrian and son Clay. As life happens and time marches on, Josh married Heather Roth on May 17, 2003. Together their family grew to five with Morgan, Tabatha, and O.C. Josh was a proud dad, taking pride in the activities that the kids were involved in. Josh volunteered as a rec-league basketball coach while the kids were young. As they grew, you could always hear his one-of-a- kind cheering on the sideline, especially at basketball games. Most of all he enjoyed working and playing alongside his family, from gymkhanas, to daywork to regular work and definitely going to brandings. The cowboy lifestyle rooted the family and holds many memories that will be cherished.
His working career includes having worked for Alan Welp and Colorado Pure Pack during High School work release where he helped weld storage bins for potatoes. Josh's passion for horses and cattle led him to work for George Peterson, 1256 Cattle Company, Kitzmiller Grazing Association, Wisdom Ranch, Adler Farms, Brophy Ranch and most recently Roundtree Livestock. Through the years of cowboying and various other jobs, he made lifelong friends, relationships that he held very dear. Josh and Heather worked together for others through those years as well, learning to lean on each other and growing their love for each other.
Josh had a genuine love for people. There was no such thing as a stranger because once you talked with him, you were friends. Josh had a talent of nicknaming almost everyone he met. If you needed help and he had the ability, he would be there to help. He often would give of his own if it would help make another's life easier. His large structure and big heart earned him the nickname "Hoss". His family lovingly liked to call him "Turkey" or "Turk"; a name he earned from all the tormenting he did in his younger years.
Around 2002 Josh joined the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout his ten plus years of service, he got to be part of the growth of the department with a new fire hall, updated and new equipment. He was excited about the community's renewed passion to serve each other and all the trainings. This excitement led to classes being held at the new fire hall and Josh becoming a certified EMT on May 15, 2009. This began a new journey, adding to the lives he touched and his community of family grew, adding more good friends. He worked for the Wray Ambulance department part time for quite a few years and then full time until 2020. When the family moved north of Eckley, he also joined the Eckley VFD. Josh took helping those in need very seriously, having lots of compassion, and enjoyed serving his community and friends.
Josh grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age, being baptized at the age of 12. Josh volunteered several years at Platte Valley Rodeo Bible Camp, sharing his love for God and teaching youth how to rope. He helped facilitate "The Core" youth group at Wray Cowboy Church. Josh's faith was always steadfast and even through trials he would come back to the foundation of his faith. Josh and family began going to church at Beecher Island Sunday School around 2022 and extended his family even more. His faith deepened and passion for the gospel increased. As his faith grew, he was not afraid to challenge you in your thinking. Josh also enjoyed teaching a Bible Study down at Beecher Island. He would call his dad and say "Say, what are your thoughts on this?"
When Josh had spare time you could find him enjoying team roping or practicing ranch roping, helping friends with brandings and other cowboy things. He enjoyed time in the mountains, camping, and hunting. He wanted to start hiking. Crazy guy rode horses his whole life and now wants to walk.
A true fact, when having a phone conversation with Josh, when he was done talking you would seldom get a "bye or talk to you later", you would just hear a click. When he was ready to leave after visiting or at a family gathering, he would just get up, walk to his vehicle and leave, with only the occasional acknowledgement that he was leaving. Josh was not fond of "Good-Byes". It took Heather a while to get Josh to say "Love you, Bye" before leaving or hanging up. In true Josh fashion, he left his earthly life without a "Good-bye" and walked into his Heavenly Father's arms on May 10, 2025. Josh was a son, brother, husband, dad, a proud grandpa, a cowboy, a fireman, EMT, great friend, and many other things, but most importantly, Josh is a
child of God. Josh would often ask those he was visiting with, "How is your walk with the Lord?"
Josh was preceded in death by his brother Monte Jones, niece Kalonnie Wiltfang, nephew Jerry Schmidt, grandparents Charlie "Chick" and Masyl Sheridan, grandparents Homer and May Jones, aunts Charlene Sheridan, Tracy Gallegos, Janet Walker, Kay Yost, Wanda Jones, Venetta Jones, uncles Galen Jones, Quinton Jones, Gary Jones, Cousins Kim Jones-Sudbeck, Randy Newton, and Vonda Jones.
Josh is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Darrian (Cody) Luthy, son Clay (Makala) Jones, daughter Morgan (Brady) Wonderly, daughter Tabatha Jones, and son O.C Jones. Grandchildren: Cooper and Cole Luthy; Ryker, Reata, Raelynn, and River Jones. Parents, Dave and Barb Jones, siblings Jody (Jason) Wiltfang, Jennie (Jason) Schmidt, Monica (Dusty) Anderson. Nephews: Travis (Chasidy) Wiltfang and family, Allen Schmidt, Dillon Schmidt, Douglas Jones, Sawyer Anderson and Hayden Anderson. Nieces: Amanda (Larry) Koeller and family, Jordlynn Wiltfang, Hailey Anderson, Sidney Anderson, Rebecca Jones and family, and Rosie Schmidt and family; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
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