I Miss You Joshy  / Alex Kresser (Brother)

Joshy,

    It's still hard to believe it has almost been a year since you left us. I miss you everyday. I wish you were still here. There is never a time that I don't miss you. I want my big bro back. It still feels like you're still in New Port Beach at sober living by the sea. It was weird going there to see Johnny and not seeing you come running out to the car. It's not the same without you. I hope that you were there for Tara when she joined you again. I hope you and Tara are with Papou and Wesley. I know you will always be here with us, but we won't be able to see you.  I will never forget you. Love ya big bro and miss you.

Alex

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Message to Melannie.......  / Sandra Kresser (mom)
Dear Melannie,

     I want you to know that we do know who you are and that you and Josh were dating.  We were with him at the hospital when he overdosed the second time and he wasn't going to jail.  The doctor wanted him to go to UNI to detox.  He didn't want to go until he saw you. 

     I can't imagine why he told you that we wouldn't accept you.  This is a real mystery to me because we have always been accepting of everyone.  The only people we have a problem with are mean people.  I doubt very seriously that you fall into this category. 

     I hope that one day soon we will be able to meet.  Thank you for being in my son's life and for loving him.  He was a wonderful young man who brought so much joy and happiness to those around him.  Sadly, he got sucked into something that he couldn't find his way out of and he paid the ultimate price - his life. 

     If you want to you can contact me through this website and then I can e-mail you back.

Sandra Kresser Close

in the middle...  / Melannie Chee (ex girlfriend )

It breaks my heart, but I doubt anybody knows who I am...it has no relevancy, but i did meet josh at a bar. Social D started playing and (as the complete strangers we were at the time) we happened to lock eyes as we both sang to "Story of my life". The first thing Josh said to me was" I am getting two social d concert tickets for my birthday, one is mine and the other one is yours." One look into his gorgeous eyes and i was intrigued. I fell for him really fast and we had already said " I love you" long before the concert came. Josh was always smiling and always making sure I was smiling. We shared each other's sarcastic loving charm, it was such a good feeling to be around him. 
He did always keep some things mysterious, though. I know how some guys get when it comes to meeting family, so I thought nothing of it when he told me I would not be able to meet his soon. I wasn't too worried about it, as long as I could be around him, I was sure it was true love. 
When he told me he had a history of drug overdosing, we both let out a sigh of relief when I told him I was a recovered addict also. Because Josh kept certain things private, I never knew if he was using. (my old addiction was of a different type) He did show up once, really lethargic and mumbley. He said he didn't feel good and I took care of him like the good girlfriend I was picturing myself to be. Other than that, he was always bright-eyed and social. My favorite thing was to hear him say" I don't need drugs when I have you..."
We dated for nearly eight happy months. I asked to meet his family near the end of those months and he told me that I would not be accepted for some reason or another. I chalked it up to religious beliefs and figured it would when happen sooner or later, when it was meant to.
One morning he called from the hospital and was talking so fast I still to this day do not know what he really said. I understood that he had relapsed and he was possibly going to be taken to jail. I had a life changing moment in two seconds. I seen myself, taking my two children to see him in jail every week and us wishing NA would work a miracle and cure him. 
The next thing I am gonna say is the reason it has taken me three months to write anything about us.... I have seen so many friends and ex boyfriends and one fiance all be taken over by some evil drug or another. Sad to say that 1 out of every 20 of them are clean and well to this day. It is causing me real tears at this moment to say that I had no faith in anyone's ability to get clean. I have children and I did not want them to see any of that world(wishful thinking I know).... So... I told Josh that I could not help him in the challenging  fight against addiction. Even before I found out about his passing I have caught myself wishing I could have found it in my pessimistic heart to stick by his side, even as a friend. I know  that is what it takes, but it does take more, too. 
This entry is so long and I'm afraid I might have offended some. I just really wanted to get it out that I wish I could change whatever is was about me that he did not want you(his family) to know, so that we could have met, could have talked, and I could have fully understood what he was going through when I was not around. Josh gave me a number of gifts throughout our time together, but one I will always keep(even though it doesnt fit me) is his Heavy Metal Shop hoody. My memory of Josh will always be of us laughing in his car singing along to Social Distortion. I truly loved Josh... RIP babe

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Missing you  / Meisha &. Chad Kresser (cousin)

There isnt a day that goes by that we dont think of you. I often think of how darling you were with Noah at Jake and Carries wedding. How you had to remind him to kneel in church and made him smile during the ceremony. 

You will always be in our hearts

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Tribute to Josh and Tara  / Sandra Kresser (mom)
Dear sweet Joshy,

     We just found out last night that Tara passed away on Friday.  We are so heartbroken for her precious little boy and for her family and all her friends who she left behind.  I hope and pray that you were there waiting for her when she passed away.  I know how much you two loved each other and I am so grateful that you both got to share this with each other the night before you passed away. 

     Thank you Tara for loving my son unconditionally.  I pray that you are at peace and resting in eternity.  Please watch over your sweet little son and all those who knew and loved you so.

     The world truly is a much sadder place because two such loving and wonderful people are no longer here with us.

     May both of your memories be eternal. Close

I hope there's Tool in heaven  / Jason (S.L.B.T.S.)
The very first day I met you at S.L.B.T.S. you couldn't stop talking about Tool's new album.  You let me borrow your CD player just so I would listen to it and were really excited to share your love of music.  You were always there with a smile, high five or a hug.  It came so easy from you that it was easy to take for granted and believe it would always be around.  Peace and love young Josh.  You will be missed

Jason Close

I miss you~  / Amy Kresser (Sister)
My Dearest Big Brother,
   Not a day goes by where I don't stop and thinking about you, I always wish at that very moment you'll call and I'll hear your voice. I miss your voice so much, and your stupid jokes. you always knew how to put a smile on people's faces.
   I really wish I would have told you this more when you were a live but I am so proud to be your little sister and I looked up to you so much. You'll always be my hero and nothing will ever change that. I'll carry you in my heart and mind for all of time and I'll proudly show your name on my back... I hope you like my tattoo, I wish you would have been there with me to get one with me.
   You were the greatest brother and friend anyone could ever ask for. I hope your taking good care of yourself up there and watching over all of us. It's hard to do things without you physically there with me, but I know you'll always be walking right by my side for the rest of my life.

I love you Joshy

Love your little sister <3 Close

Miss You  / Lynn Kresser (uncle)
Josh,

We really missed you at the family camping trip this year.I think about you each and everyday Josh.
Your mom wrote a very moving and beautiful letter and I wish people would wake-up about the dangers of drugs and what they do to all the families and friends of the person that gets hooked on drugs.

Love you
Lynn Close

Be with us Josh  / Sam Hatziathanasiou (Cousin)
Josh,

I know you are with all of us on levels we cannot see, and I know you can feel how much you are missed by all of your family and friends. There are times when I need help and I ask you and Papou to be with me and guide me, and I can feel that you are there. I know that you are with your parents and brothers and sister, helping them in any way you can; they really need you right now. We love you, miss you and will never forget you. Ever.

Love,

Sammy Close

I miss you big guy...  / Peter Souvall (Little cousin )
Josh you will always be in my heart, anytime i hear the beginning of angel's wings i cant help but start to cry or completely lose concentration on anything else. I love you so much buddy and im so glad we got to know eachother... ill never forget the night you took me to see tiger army back in 05' and we talked about going to see rancid and the souls together... i will always remember you josh. I will always love you and i know you are always going to be looking down and watching out for me. The day you died i felt like i lost not only a member of my family, but one of my buddies... It's been a year and it still hurts to think about. Keep an eye on papou and tell him i love him for me ok? I always looked up to you and thought you were a badass... I will always miss you. I'll see you again someday, i know it. All the love in my heart -Pete Close

Josh / Lynn Kresser (uncle)
Hi Josh,

I think about you every single day and no matter where I am or what I am doing  when I think of you a smile comes to my face.
I wish you were here.

I miss you Josh

Love you
Lynn Close

josh / Heather Cloward (highschool girlfriend )
You were loved as part of my own family. You stayed a good friend even after we broke up and will always be in my heart. Close

Carry Josh in you heart forever...........  / Sandra Kresser (mom)
I was blessed to be Josh's mom and it was an honor that I will be grateful for forever. When you give birth to a child you love that child with your entire heart and soul. Your heart is so full with love for this child that you're afraid it will burst. Needless to say when your child dies your heart shatters into a million little pieces. I am truly heartbroken to have lost my sweet son. We are never able to fully understand how much someone means to others because we only know what that person means to us. But because of your wonderful memorial candles you have lite and the tributes you have written in honor of my precious Josh I have come to know and understand how very much he was loved by so many people. Thank you so much for these wonderful gifts that you have given to me. I am indeed touched by how much Josh touched each and every one of you. Josh was indeed a delightful young man who brought so much joy and happiness to those around him. Even in the midst of his addiction he reached out to others around him. Josh loved life so much and the greatest tribute and honor that you can give to him is to live the very best life you possibly can. Be happy, healthy and drug-free. Laugh often and think of Josh when you do. How he loved to laugh. Know that Josh is with you always and carry him in your hearts forever........... Close

Joshy... / Tara Nielsen (First Love )
I loved Josh so much and he and I always had a special bond from when we were 16 until the day he left Salt Lake to go to Rehab to the night of his birthday when I last talked to him and told him that I loved him. I'm so glad those were the last words I had to tell him, he always talked about coming back home to me and his family. My heart is broken, and he is gone but hopefully we can all carry on with a sense of his being and positivity and love for life. I will love you always Joshy.
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Joshie / Jill Jackson (Heather Clowards Mom )
Oh Joshie....I do love and miss you. I was proud to be your "other mommy" for those couple of years. Even right before you left us I talked to you briefly online. Hahaha....you STILL called me mommie. Your great spirit and what you left behind touched my life forever. You left more of an influence for GOOOD behind than you know. Maybe you DO know now. I'll bet you're shocked! I'll never forget you dear. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you. I know you're safe now, and I know I'll see you again. Please say hi to all of my loved ones there for me. Til then, I'll try and live in a way that will make you proud. Til we meet again...in that place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no good-byes. I'll be expecting a hug! See ya later....Jill Close

Your True Colors  / Joshua Schrimsher (Roomate-Friend/Newpo-rt)

Damn...  In this time and realm there are but a few souls worthy of remembrance...  Yours was truly a blessing on this planet for all who have come in contact with you...  You were infectious to the souls of those around you, and you carried a room very well for bein so short...  When I walked into our room at S.L.B.T.S., I thought, "Oh s#*%, I gotta room with a punk rock lover from Salt Lake..."  My perception of such was not so good initially due to my prep background...  However, when I didn't know crap about what I was supposed to do or where to go, you showed me the ropes, and even the ways around them... Heh-heh...  We proved to be more than they could handle it would appear...  I miss ya man, it sucks without ya, but you don't have to battle anymore...  Lucky...  See ya in 50 years or so...  Don't wait up...

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I miss my Buddah!!  / Claire Duffy (Friend)
Josh, we had so many ridiculous times together and I am so thankful for EVERY ONE OF THEM!! Cruising in the Camry, picking on the tenants of Sober Living, Sundance Film Fest . . . we always managed to have fun together, and I miss the laughter and care you brought into my life.  You acted as an older brother to me as we fought our addictions, always looking out for my well-being and happiness.

You were a good friend to my brother in high school, and a great friend to me in recent years.  We shared the same high school, same rehabs, and same nasty addiction.  I constantly wish that I had done more to help you or save you.  We walked very similar paths, and I'm not always sure while I'm still here.

I must accept that some questions must remain unanswered.  I don't get to know the reasons for things, despite my curious nature.  I just pray that you are finally released from obsession and set free from despair.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all you were to me and continue to be.  I love you, Josh.
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Blessed to have met him  / Kasey Abercrombie (friend)

Not a day goes by that I don't think of Josh.  His amazing smile and beautiful laugh.  I miss holding his hand, and walking around Newport Beach with him.  I miss his humor, I think he was one of the first people to really make me laugh when I arrived in Newport.  He was taken far too soon, but he left a very powerful message behind.

Josh- I know you are in a much better place now, happy and with no pain, but I selfishly miss you all of the time.  You keep me going strong when I'm having a hard time, and for that I'm forever thankful.  I love you Joshy, and you and your family are in my prayers.  Save me a seat up there!  I'll be seeing you...

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Thy will be done:  / John Orlando (Counselor)
I use this prayer all the time it helps me to know God has a reason for everything;We get to use Josh death in a positive way to help other young alcoholics recover;He is missed by many. Close

In loving remembrance of my cousin Josh.  / Patty (cousin)
Dear Josh, You left us way too soon and we miss you terribly. Your absence fills us with sorrow but, we take comfort in knowing that your spirit is strong and shining brightly. It was an privilege and certainly a blessing to get to know you. Our loving memories of you will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you to your wonderful, wonderful family for this site. Love and blessings always, Patty Close