Joshua Kane Stokes

(08/27/2003) Joshua Kane Stokes, age 29, passed away after an accident on August 24, 2003. Joshua was born to Timothy Neal Stokes and Gay Massey Stokes in Austin on March 2, 1974. Josh was born and raised in Austin and graduated from Westwood High School in 1992. Josh was a very popular young man and well liked by all who knew him. He was an excellent soccer player from an early age and played competitively for the Austin Flyers Soccer Club. His soccer skills earned him a scholarship to Campbell University in North Carolina. After a short stay at Campbell, he returned to Texas to finish his degree at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Josh graduated from Incarnate Word in 1998 with a Bachelor's of Science in Spanish. While attending Incarnate Word, Josh forged life-long friendships in the classroom and on the field that he carries with him to this day. While furthering his education, he spent a period of time perfecting his Spanish in Mexico City that also helped create a bond between Josh and that part of the world. After graduation, combining his two strong passions, Josh taught Spanish and coached soccer at Elgin High School and was an absolute favorite of the students he came in contact with. His constant playful nature bound by his loyal sense of character made learning from him enjoyable and entertaining. After leaving the teaching profession, Josh called on his infectious personality to develop an exceptional sales career working for high tech communications companies here in Austin. In his brief stay here on earth, Josh accomplished so much and touched so many. Josh's most admirable quality was his ability to persevere with enthusiasm in the face of adversity. His motto, ``No worries,'' embodies the philosophy with which he embraced life; and when things got tough, he would grab his rod and reel and jump in his pick-up to retreat to one of the many fishing holes that he loved. Josh was a warm, loving, generous person with the sweetest of souls and the brightest of smiles. Senor Stokes to his students and simply ``Stokes'' to his buddies, Josh was a man that no one could forget and anyone would love to know. Whether fishing with his brother Corey, spending holidays with his other brother Tommy, or coaching his baby sister Chandler's soccer team, Josh was completely devoted to his family and friends. He never put himself ahead of those that he loved. There are no words to describe the pain of this loss to our family. Joshua, you are now and always will be deeply missed by Mom, Dad, Corey, Chandler, Tommy and little Nabu. As you continue your journey in life on the other side, please know that we are thinking of you and that we will forever see you in the things that brought you joy. Please keep an eye on us until we see you again. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Joshua's life will be held Thursday, August 28, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. at the Unity Church of the Hills, 9905 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin, TX 78750.