Joshua Jean Hanks

Joshua Jean Hanks was born in Snohomish, Washington on November 29, 1988. Malcolm and Diane adopted him at eight days. He lived 36 years and went home to be with the Lord on December 3, 2024. His surviving family members are Malcolm and Diane Hanks, brother Josiah Hanks and his sister, Katlynn Morales. Josh was known as a strong warrior, serving his country in the army for seven years.

At 17 years of age, Joshua enlisted in the military and served three tours in Iraq and Kuwait. He rose to the rank of Sargent and earned six army accommodation medals, six army achievement medals among other awards from his time in combat. Joshua also had the privilege of competing in the Best Sapper competition. After injuring his back, he retired from the army and settled in Georgia State. He served his country well.

Some of Joshua’s passions were football, music, fishing and camping. He enjoyed talking to his parents about someday coming home and going camping at their cabin on Chinook pass.

After his service in the Army, Josh struggled with addiction and was incarcerated. The last nine years of his life were spent in Georgia prisons where he found that Jesus could give him the peace and security he needed. Without hesitation he claimed Jesus Christ had paid for his sins and he knew when he died, he would be in heaven, free from the pain and sorrow here on this earth. Today he is there! Free from prison, health issues and emotional pain.

While in prison, he discovered he had a congenital heart issue. This led to heart failure and many surgeries. He was hospitalized for eight months before he passed. The family is rejoicing that he is whole and liberated again. One of Joshua’s favorite verses was Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Now, that hope is reality.

A memorial service will be held at New Life Bible Church, 1115 S. 5th Avenue, Yakima, Washington, on Saturday, December 21 at 12:00. Lunch will be served.

The family would like to thank the wardens, guards, unit managers, doctors and nurses in Georgia who encouraged and loved Josh.