Joshua Barry Brown

Joshua Barry Brown, 32 of Cheboygan, MI and formerly of Westmont, NJ, passed away on October 21, 2024.

Joshua was born on July 19, 1992 in Irvine, CA.  Josh spent summers of his youth and teenage years with family and friends on LBI at the Jersey Shore. He is a graduate of Haddon Twp. High School Class of 2010. At the age of 19, Joshua enlisted in the US Coast Guard and completed his basic training in NJ at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. He reported to his first unit, Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, as a Seaman in Portsmouth Virginia and then went to BMA school Yorktown, Virginia, where he graduated school as a BM3 (boatswains’ mate third class).  After school he received orders to Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light in Barnegat Light, NJ. While stationed at Barnegat light and working closely with MK’s (machinery technicians) Josh realized how much he loved the role they play in the CG and their scope of work. Josh made the decision to switch rates and become a MK himself.  He completed his MK training at the Training Center Yorktown, and graduated as a MK3 (machinery technician third class), doing what he truly loved, working on the very complex inner workings of coast guard assets.

Josh then received orders to report to Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe as a MK3, where he was a pivotal part in their search and rescue and law enforcement mission. It was here that he earned qualifications such as boat crew member, Boarding Officer, and Officer of the day conducting countless underway missions both saving lives and ensuring the public’s safety.  Even more importantly, while he was serving at the USCG Lake Tahoe station, he met his future wife, Jessica and son, Brody.

Josh then received orders to Coast Guard Station Philadelphia. Josh reported as a MK3 and soon advanced to MK2 (machinery technician second class). Josh played a major role once again as a boat crew member, Officer of the day, Boarding Officer, as well as Tactical Boat Crew Member. He was involved in countless search and rescue missions, law enforcement missions, working with local, state, and other federal agencies. Most notably conducting countless POTUS security zones where Josh ensured the safe passing of the POTUS, VPOTUS, and other VIP’s motorcade and Air Force One.

Josh then received orders to Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw in the Great Lakes and moved to Cheboygan, Michigan with his family.

Jess, Josh and Brody shared a love for time with friends, cheering on the Phillies and Eagles and fishing.  Josh and Jess were often in attendance cheering on their son Brody at many of his sporting events.

Josh’s personality was larger than life. He was the ultimate social butterfly and could make friends with strangers, anywhere, anytime, and any place he went. His laugh was bold and infectious. He was undoubtedly the life of the party. He lived for adventure and loved the outdoors, snowboarding, fishing, golfing, playing softball, hockey, cooking on the BBQ Smoker, playing video games, riding his Harley-Davidson and most of all, spending time with family and friends. Josh was a good friend to many and made extra efforts to connect with others struggling with depression to offer them comfort and support.

‍Josh is survived by his wife and son, Jessica and Brody; and by his father and step-mother, James and Kelly Brown. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Diesel, Harley, and Cooper; several uncles, cousins, and a large extended family made up of very close friends.

Services celebrating Josh’s life will be held on November 9th at 11:30am at the Camden County Veterans Cemetery located within Harleigh Cemetery, 1640 Haddon Ave., Camden City, NJ.

A reception will immediately follow services. Details for the reception will be forthcoming.

In Lieu of flowers, and at the family’s request, charitable contributions may be made to PROJECT REFIT, 45 Penn Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 or online at www.projectrefit.us/donate

Josh was heavily involved with this organization that provides peer support programs for veterans and first responders.  Their mission is to empower these brave individuals by offering a safe and supportive environment where they can connect with others who have shared experiences. Through various programs, they aim to improve mental health, foster personal growth, and promote overall well-being.