Joshua Kokkola

Joshua Eric Kokkola, our beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend passed away at his home in Vineyard, Utah on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 due to health complications.

Josh was born May 9, 1995 (5/9/95) at 5:09 pm at Cottonwood Hospital in Murray Utah. His parents, Eric Jason and Carrie West Kokkola, welcomed their firstborn with so much love. As a child, he was pure joy to his parents. He learned the joy of reading as a toddler as he and his mom would spend hours reading together. He took his love of books with him throughout his life and reading gave him so much pleasure.

Josh was a lover of learning. He graduated from Layton High School in 2013. While there, he discovered a love for words that would shape his future. Joining the debate team, Josh quickly honed his communication skills and became a skilled debater. His talent for expression and wit earned him the honor of speaking at his graduation. He had an unparalleled love for spirited discussion. Josh taught us that a good debate was not necessarily about winning the argument, although he did usually win, but about enjoying the exchange with others. He was pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy at Utah Valley University. Recently, just a couple semesters away from graduating, he chose to take a break from traditional learning and opted to spend his time immersed in independent study through voracious reading of all things philosophical and in honing his writing skills. He was in the process of writing a Historical Fiction Novel about the 1871 Wisconsin fires. He spent hours every week laboring over this endeavor. He was a gifted writer.

Josh dedicated most of his career to sales in the pest control industry, working both door-to-door and behind a desk. Most recently, he was with Greenix Pest Control, where he and his brother Brooks had the privilege of working alongside each other for the past two years. This was a blessing and brought them closer together. Josh loved his Greenix family.

Josh had a quick wit. He had a gift to make others laugh, often with a well-timed quip. He found humor in any situation and through that humor, he lifted the spirits of those around him. He was easy to talk to. He was a friend to everyone. In any group, he was equally at ease engaging with anyone in the room, yet he often gravitated toward the quieter individuals, making them feel seen and valued. He had a deep voice and a boisterous laugh that carried across the room, impossible to miss. How we will miss his contagious laugh and witty remarks.

Josh was diagnosed at four years old with Aortic Regurgitation which caused him to have an enlarged heart. At the ages of 18 and 23, he required open heart surgery to replace a leaky valve. He remained diligent in managing his health, faithfully taking his medications, attending regular doctor’s appointments, and staying proactive about his well-being. Not only was his heart physically enlarged, but he was also big-hearted in every other way: in his associations with family, friends and strangers and in his open outlook on ideas and philosophies.

Josh was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a full-time mission to the California Roseville mission from April 2014 to April 2016. He loved this time serving the people of California and it was there that he refined his character of compassion to others in all walks of life. Upon returning from his mission, he described Roseville as sacred ground, where he had gained his testimony of his Savior.

Josh is survived by his parents: Jason and Carrie, siblings: Hannah Rae Haws (Ian), Brooks Mark, Jordan Paul, and Halle Ann, niece: Charlotte James Haws, grandparents: Paul L and Karen West and Verna Greenig, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandpa Voitto, his uncles Alan and Mark, and his grandma Georgia who are now holding him in their arms.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at the LDS Stake Center, 752 N. 3700 W. Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with the family, at the same location, on Sunday, November 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm and Monday from 9:30-10:45 am, before the funeral.

Interment, Lindquist Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd, Layton, Utah.