Joshua Miguel Rodriguez
Obituary
Joshua Miguel Rodriguez, our beloved son, brother, and friend, departed this world on Friday, December 6, 2024, after a sudden health event unexpected to us, but known by God.
Josh was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 9, 1992, as the first child of the late Luis Rodriguez and Lenora (Sewell) Rodriguez. The peace of being an only child was soon disrupted by the birth of his sister, Lutie Rodriguez, who became both a regular tormentor and adored companion.
Josh spent his whole childhood in Tulsa and later attended the University of Tulsa, where he impressively double majored in electrical engineering and music. In 2016, he moved to Tucson, where he lived until he passed, to attend the University of Arizona’s optical sciences graduate program. While there, he was drawn to hands-on lab work researching cutting-edge LiDAR techniques, work that continued in his professional life.
Soon after relocating to Tucson, Josh found a spiritual home at King’s Cross Anglican Church. He was a devoted servant to the church and, through his involvement, was discerned to be ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church in North America on November 5, 2022, after completing coursework in Diaconal Studies at Trinity Anglican Seminary. So much of Josh’s life went into serving the Lord through the church: administering Sunday services, hosting weekly Tuesday Bible studies at his house, and building relationships at both his workplace and at the University of Arizona. Josh was purposeful in building a network of friends outside the church, which exemplified his service as a deacon in and for the world.
Many people will tell you that the community Josh built is one of his strongest legacies. Josh loved his people. They spent their time hiking in the mountains around Tucson, camping, road tripping, running in Catalina State Park, home- (or campsite) brewing the finest coffee, fishing, and grilling steaks. He also always made time to visit and take trips with his family, often to state and national parks.
As you can tell, Josh had a long list of avocations: music (a cellist, since age 10), running, cycling, hiking, photography, coffee brewing, and, more recently, fly fishing. He volunteered his time to play cello with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and loved to spend weekend mornings cycling to Mercado San Agustin for a coffee from Presta and a donut from La Estrella.
Josh’s passing, comfortingly, seems to have happened after doing something he loved: running. The doctor determined that he died as a result of a pulmonary embolism that developed in his legs—likely during his Thanksgiving flights home—and travelled to his lungs. While his death and its suddenness make little sense to us, we are clinging to the things that Josh loved: Christ, nature, and community. As the doctor said while delivering the explanation of his death, what is the meaning of life if it’s not spent going to visit family?
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to King's Cross Anglican Church or National Park Foundation. Service will be livestreamed at: tulsafbc.online.church
Events
Tributes & Memories
I met Josh back in 2010 at the University of Tulsa, where we both majored in Electrical Engineering and attended Tulsa First Baptist Church. As a foreign student in America, adjusting to a new culture and environment wasn’t always easy. But Josh was one of the people who made that transition smoother. He was one of those rare colleagues who was genuinely easy to get along with — always kind, always welcoming. More than just a friend, Josh made me feel like I had family I could count on in the U.S. Whether it was helping me navigate campus life or simply being there to talk, his support meant the world to me. I’ll always remember him as someone who made a foreign place feel like home. Paulo Mavungo
Paulo Mavungo
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Josh's passing. Josh and I worked together at TuSimple, and I'll always remember the warmth and kindness he showed me. He invited me to his home on a few occasion and cooked one of the best steaks I've ever had. I had always meant to ask him for the recipe, but now that chance is gone. We shared great moments hiking together, and I was even lucky enough to witness his ordination. What truly made Josh special was his incredible heart. Even when I was slow to reply to his messages, he would always ask about my well-being with genuine care. He was one of the most caring and authentic people I've ever met. He was someone who made everyone around him feel valued and loved. Rest in peace, Josh. I hope you're now in a place of eternal peace and love.
Frank
We worked in the same team at TuSimple, he shared his stories about school and church with me, and he invited me to his church. He loves what he does, may he is blessed here and there.
PJ Duan
I'm saddened to hear the recent news of Josh's passing. I met Josh in the summer of 2020, when I lived in Tucson for a summer internship. He served as a mentor and as a great friend to have in an otherwise isolating pandemic. We made steaks and he brought me to the best Tucson had to offer, like a bike ride through the state park or a trip up Mt. Lemmon.
Blake Karwoski
I'm saddened to hear the recent news of Josh's passing. I met Josh in the summer of 2020, when I lived in Tucson for a summer internship. He served as a mentor and as a great friend to have in an otherwise isolating pandemic. We made steaks and he brought me to the best Tucson had to offer, like a bike ride through the state park or a trip up Mt. Lemmon.
Blake Karwoski
Josh and I knew each other during our tenure in TuSimple, Tucson. He was one of the most easy going people in the company, and I had been very fortunate to work alongside him for almost two years. We bonded with each other outside working hours in hiking events and talked about doing camping for a few times but didn’t have the chance to do it in the end. The photo was taken during his visit to San Diego, and we had a blast seeing each other in La Jolla Cove, eating delicious tacos and talked about life & God in a beautifully sunset. He’s smart, kind and caring, and I will always remember his genuine friendship throughout it all. Rest in peace my brother.
Fuheng
My name is George. I worked with Mr. Rodriguez for a short time. I didn't know him well, however I believe him to have been a good man. I wish and pray for the family of Joshua. Farewell brother.
George
I will always remember Josh as a kind, smart and incredibly patient person. Considering that 6 year old Lutie and Sydney would spend afternoons where the only activity we wanted to do was "annoy Josh", we tested his patience for sure. When we moved, I remember Josh tracking our plane online (which was a new and exciting thing at the time) the whole way there. After that he was a constant in my visits back to Oklahoma and I always looked forward to seeing him. Sending all my love to you all!
Sydney
Our family first met Josh when he was only 4 years old while imitating my son mowing our grandmother Rita’s yard across the street from Josh. Every time my son mowed the yard, Josh would get his little toy mower and “mow” his yard while watching my son mow. My family has loved watching Josh grow into a beautiful human who loved his family deeply. His mother has kept us updated on their trips together along with his loving sister Lutie. Love you Josh.
Kate & Bob Moyer and family
I love the first photo of Josh. It was when he first vested to serve as an acolyte at our small Anglican fellowship that met in our home in Tucson in early 2017. He was so reverent and ready to serve. Josh not only took to serving but he had a deep passion to see our small home fellowship grow into what is now King’s Cross Anglican Church. Josh’s dedication and commitment to our church is unmatched and his presence among us will be sorely missed. His legacy will remain with us and his memory is eternal. As his spiritual father and friend I am so very proud of him. Deacon Josh, you are now worshipping with all the saints in heaven. Dearest son, may you rest in peace and rise in glory. Love always, Father Pete
Father Pete Forbes
I love the first photo of Josh. It was when he first vested to serve as an acolyte at our small Anglican fellowship that met in our home in Tucson in early 2017. He was so reverent and ready to serve. Josh not only took to serving but he had a deep passion to see our small home fellowship grow into what is now King’s Cross Anglican Church. Josh’s dedication and commitment to our church is unmatched and his presence among us will be sorely missed. His legacy will remain with us and his memory is eternal. As his spiritual father and friend I am so very proud of him. Deacon Josh, you are now worshipping with all the saints in heaven. Dearest son, may you rest in peace and rise in glory. Love always, Father Pete
Father Pete Forbes
I'll always remember Josh for his kindness in inviting me to play with his college string quartet when I was just a nervous high school student. He always made me feel welcome and was a joy to make music with.
Joseph
I still remember Josh taking his walkie-talkie to Eliot School and calling his mom as soon as he made it to his classroom. And not too much later he was proudly showing me his BlackBerry phone. At home he was endlessly making every variation of paper airplanes with our girls when we visited. Studying at TU Electrical Engineering like his dad. He was an engineer from the beginning and no one was going to change that. A real academic, sensitive, mature kid, sometimes an Old Soul but definitely a Wonderful Soul. I’m so glad that we got to be part of your family during the time we spent in Tulsa. We’ll keep him in our hearts forever and always.
Caroline Zenklusen
I picture Josh up there right now visiting with his Dad about the latest Apple Computers while Barry Manilow plays in the background. Those 2 connected on so many levels. The world is a much better place because of them. Thank You Josh
Mark Childers
I always loved Josh, he was always so nice and friendly. I will remember all the times playing in the Youth Symphony and at TU. I pray you find some comfort knowing what a great impact he had on everyone.
Keysto Stotz
Josh , I Your Aunt , I’m Praying that Your Precious Soul is resting with Jesus ! I know that You are Loved and Missed by Many ! Love You !
Anna Rodriguez
I never met this young man. I did however know his father. In fact I still have a message sent to me on FB from his dad. Big Lou was a pallbearer for my brother. They were best friends. I truly hope and pray that he gets to meet my brother, after his reunion with his father. RIP Sir. Please give my brother a very big hug for me. Tell him I have never forgotten him. And say Hi to your Dad for me.
Ruben Towns