Joshua Robert Shrum

Joshua Robert Shrum of Chesapeake was born on September 9, 2002 in Virginia Beach and lived a life marked by resilience and unwavering spirit. For 23 years, he courageously battled Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, never allowing it to dim his light. Joshua had a remarkable ability to touch the hearts of everyone he met, captivating those around him with his humor, enthusiasm, and joyful spirit. His presence was a gift to all who knew him.

Joshua was a 2020 graduate of Great Bridge High School.

Joshua had a deep love for reading, especially the One Piece novels, and owned an extensive collection of them. He also enjoyed collecting Pokémon cards and took great pride in his collection. Music was an important part of Joshua's life, he was an avid fan of Ozzy Osbourne, loved The Beatles, and was especially fascinated by the punk rock era, with a strong appreciation for bands such as The Smiths and The Cure. In his downtime, Joshua enjoyed playing his Sony PlayStation 4, with the Persona series being the final game he played before his passing.

Joshua passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love and inspiration. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Joshua is survived by his mother Jane, stepfather, Ronnie Goforth, his grandfather, Ralph Leigh Irby, his father Robert Glenn Shrum, his devoted caregivers Vinny Groeber and Andrea Obie, and several cousins.

Altmeyer Funeral Home of Chesapeake is serving the family.