Josiah Daniel Jurich

Josiah Daniel Jurich 1981 – 2025
Josiah Jurich, of Sheridan, Wyoming, an honored veteran of the Second Gulf War, died on September 11, 2025, due to mental health afflictions from his combat injuries. His family and friends grieve his loss, honor his service, give thanks for his life, and cherish his memory.
Josiah was born in October 1981 in Astoria, Oregon to Denise Jurich (née Theisen) and Matt Jurich. He grew up in Astoria and Svenson, Oregon where he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He participated in youth group and church programs and devoted his life to Jesus Christ, received baptism, and remained a man of faith for the duration of his life. He was active in school athletics at Hilda Lahti Elementary School and Knappa High School and volunteered in the Clatsop County Sheriff Cadet Program.
After graduation, Josiah joined the Oregon National Guard and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement for his actions in saving the life of a fellow soldier after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED). He was awarded a Purple Heart for his own injuries he sustained in the attack, though the full extent of these were not fully apparent until later in his life.
After his honorable discharge from military service, Josiah moved to Bend, Oregon and enjoyed riding his dirt-bike in the wilderness. He later moved to Kapahi, Hawaii, trading desert life for beach life and his dirt bike for a surfboard. In his civilian life, he remained committed to his faith and to service to others, notably directing volunteers using heavy machinery in response to a severe flooding disaster in Anahola.
Due to the long-term impact of his war injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder from combat patrol experiences and traumatic brain injury from the IED attack, Josiah began suffering from flashback-induced psychotic delusions and paranoia. He returned to the mainland to try to improve his sense of peace and security, eventually settling in Wyoming with his beloved companion dog, Hondo. He remained committed to service toward others, including volunteering at a food cupboard and caring for horses. He spent his final years in Sheridan near caring and supportive neighbors for whom his family is deeply grateful.
Josiah was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Theisen and Eugenia "Dee" and Joseph "Jovo" Jurich and numerous great aunts and uncles. He is survived by his parents Denise (David) Adams and Matt Jurich; his twin Israel "Izzy" Jurich; his grandmother Gwen Theisen; his aunt Marijana Jurich and friend Lisa Conrad; his uncle Joe (Barbara) Jurich; his cousins Jason (Makayla) Henshawe, Anna Jurich, and Sofija Juric; many of his comrades-in-arms; his dog Hondo; his caring Wyoming neighbors; and numerous additional aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Private services for family, friends, and comrades-in-arms will be held in Montana and Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.