"I did not know Josh but it sounds like he was such a good hardworking young man. I?m so sorry he struggled so much & wasn?t able to get he needed even though everyone tried! May he Rest In Peace & May God be with the family as they heal. Zach, you are in my thoughts & prayers. Diana Emerson"
In loving memory of
Joshua Parry
February 5, 1980 - September 16, 2019
Josh Parry, 39, was born in Des Moines to Ted and Cathy Parry on February 5, 1980.
Josh lived a fast and furious life. He was an adventurous child, exploring all sorts of adrenalin producing activities. He also learned the value of hard work at an early age - tending the family garden, mowing the lawn, helping with the family side business of landscaping and mowing the grounds of the church we attended.
Josh attended Johnston High School, during which time he developed a knack for all things mechanical - engines, welding, fabrication, etc. This lead to a career as a technician in the trucking industry where Josh was completely self-taught, learning how to fix things as he went and acquiring new skills all the time from more seasoned technicians. He ultimately became one of those seasoned technicians having the uncanny ability to be able to find and fix nearly any mechanical problem.
Josh was also an accomplished student of the school of hard knocks, acquiring many certifications along the way - sometimes taking classes multiple times.
Josh had many interests and talents, most of which surrounded the mechanical world he lived in and loved - racing of all kinds, snowmobiling, his beloved trucks, and even dabbling in mechanical art. He loved to work and was happiest when busy with a task.
Josh lost his battle with Alcoholism and Depression on September 16th, 2019. These two diseases grew in him like a cancer for about 8 years. He fought valiantly against them, seeking help intermittently, but mostly he tried to fight them on his own - in his school of hard knocks fashion. Eventually, both conditions consumed him so much that he could not be reached and they finally stole his life.
He will be greatly missed by his mother, Cathy Cooper of Ankeny; two brothers, Zac Parry of Urbandale, and Luke Parry of Ankeny; sister, Brianan Cooper of Ankeny; nieces and nephews, Haley, Alex, and Spencer; as well as his extended family and all his friends at Johnsrud Transport. He was preceded into eternal life by his father, Ted L. Parry in July 2012.
A memorial service for Josh will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th, 2019 at Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge. 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, where the family will greet friends from 1 p.m. on Sunday, until the memorial time. A private committal service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Powell CDC at Iowa Lutheran Hospital at https://www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/online-donation.aspx in memory of Josh Parry, so we may help others with this terrible affliction.
Tributes
"John and I have known Josh for about 4 yrs. John and Josh worked together down at Johnsrud Transport. They became really close friends. John battles with depression as well and is why Josh and John could relate to one another. I hear them talk about feelings, life experience, and the stupid crazy things they have done in life! Last time we saw Josh was shortly before he passed. He came over, we grilled out, John talked him into getting swimming trunks on and getting in the pool with him. We had some serious talks, joked and laughed. We will hold all the memories we had with Josh. We are thinking of the family and other close friends during this time. "
"My sincerest sympathies to Josh?s family. I enjoyed Josh from when he was just a little one. And I still would see him now and again after all these years. I?m so sad for a loss of life at such young age. Sending prayers for Josh and his family with my love Kathy Thoreson "