Josh was one of my best childhood friends. We were teammates and classmates from first grade to freshman yr, then I had the misfortune of having to compete against him – that never ended well for me. It’s impossible to capture the essence of such a rockstar, but here’s a few thoughts I’ve been reflecting on since I received the tragic news…

Many knew Josh as an athlete, and they should. He was world class. The entire neighborhood remembers how he’d cover 30 yards in a second, take out three opponents and clear balls across Hamilton St, setting off car alarms five houses down. I’ll never forget where I was watching the NCAA Final – I don’t think they’d let me back in that bar after I told everyone (20 times) THAT was my guy! I did the same every Timbers game. Josh was a legend, and I’m still convinced he was better at hoop.

He could have had a massive ego, but on the contrary, he was an incredible soul. It feels like yesterday sleepovers at his Grandparent’s house and my folk’s pad. Playing ball w/Marc, Brett Carson, Casey Scott, Jimmy Clarke etc. as our coaches. I remember PlayStation and wrestling (WWE? WWF? Sorry Josh, it’s not a real sport). Pilots games, Pride games, my first OSU Beavers game…all the memories and friends. We just had a blast.

Josh was an intense competitor and the ultimate teammate. Off the pitch, he was the best friend you could imagine – compassionate and loyal. I’ve not followed his professional life closely since our mid-twenties, but it’s inspiring to see the impact he’s had on our youth and in the community. We should all be so lucky to leave such a legacy.

I’ve cried many times, and a part of me will always think he could still walk in the door, surprising me just once more, greeting me with that beautiful smile and a monster hug. Nobody did it better.

May God bless you, Josh. Thank you, Josh. Thank you so very much. Rest now as you lived, homie: in power, peace and love.

Josh, a beautiful soul. I will miss him…We all will!  RIP Friend. .

I new Josh for more than 20+ years as referee. I actually refereed his high school state championship game back in the day.  I always enjoyed my interactions with him. He was a hard nose player and a lot of times he crossed the line. I probably sent him off more than once or twice. The last time I saw him was this past summer at the PCU tournament. It was so fun to see Josh after all these years and not seeing him and and see what he was doing as youth coach. It put a smile on my face. Thoughts prayers go out to you and your family.  
Des Miller❤️❤️⚽️⚽️

he was a great fun guy that played with my friend denny which her nickname is Godzilla he was a nice coach

He was my soccer coach, 9 year old Bennett dingwall writing this, I love him as a coach in my memory’s, he gave me my goaley jersey and he was there for me, I loved him as a friend

Josh and I worked together about 10'ish years ago; I was his supervisor at the time while we worked for Vermont Hills. The first thing I think of, when thinking of Josh, was his big broad smile that went all the way across his face. I loved coming to see him in the morning when he would be helping in the infant room, supporting with bottle feeding or playing with the babies on the floor. 

Josh always seemed to have such a natural talent to  bring others "up" or just meet them right where they were, if that was what they needed. After reading the other messages, I can tell he definitely left an amazing impact on so many... I feel blessed to have just gotten a chance to know him, even if for a brief time. 

Sending my sincerest condolences to his wife, his family and his pups... 🙏

We sparked the insatiable curiosity of our students with insects! This was our capture and release moth.
Reminiscing on the various science projects we took on, our classroom found a praying mantis that we kept and cared for.  Josh had an open mind with it all!

Reflecting on the years teaching with Josh is like taking a page out of a heartwarming novel. We didn't just share tasks; we sparked a synergy that transformed our classroom into a powerful haven for learning and growth.

"We inspire the promise of tomorrow"
- VHFLC

Every child that needed that extra level of understanding, felt it. There's something magical about true collaboration that not only changes the lives of our students but ours as educators too.  It was an honor to teach with Josh. Our classroom was a work in progress that spanned over years. Not only did we both grow as educators, we also saw our students thrive. That was an unmatched experience.

This world lost a great guy. You were so stinking sweet, Josh. You always made time to say hi to fellow coworkers, see how they were doing and shine that brilliant smile of yours.

I remember the day you spoke about proposing to your then girlfriend (Mariah) and how nervous and excited you were for your big Disneyland trip. ❤My heart breaks for her, 💔 may she know how much you loved and spoke of her.  My sincere condolences go out to her and the rest of your family. 

Talk about leaving your mark on the world. The kids you taught absolutely adored you. You would have thought Mickey Mouse was walking down the hall by the way the kiddos reacted to seeing you.

Thank you for being in my life even for a short while. You left quite an impression.  I will forever remember that ear to ear smile and that positive presence of yours. May you rest in peace. Enjoy playing on some of the finest soccer turf you've ever seen my friend.  You will be greatly missed.

Hello,

I am very sorry for your loss. Case my son attends the V.A day care. Josh was his teacher a ways back. Everyday when I would drop Case off Josh would have a huge smile and we would always crack a joke and laugh together daily. He had a special personality and will be missed.

Rest in Peace JB. We've had so many memories together from meeting at an early age due to our grandmothers being friends, to working at Conestoga Rec together, the trips to the beach, camping, and the challenges we faced.  You taught me to be a better coach and then later a teacher.  Life moved on and we went our own ways these past few years but I still think about those times often.  I'll always remember the grad night party at Conestoga we helped facilitate.

 You will be missed brother, thanks for always pushing me in a direction.  

Brad Shick

Josh was such a light. And I will always remember his great smile and love for soccer. Gone way too soon, but Heaven gained a very athletic angel.

I'm so saddened to hear the news of Josh's passing. My heart goes out to all of his loved ones. I haven't seen or talked to him in years, but Josh was my middle school love and I will always remember him fondly! He was so charismatic, funny and sweet. I feel thankful that I got to know him back when we were kids! I'm sending my deepest condolences out to his family and loved ones. I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace during this time.

I played with Josh at UP for a short time then lost touch as the years went by, but was just shocked to hear the news.   Just wanted to send my sincerest condolences from Australia to his family and wife.  Looks like he continued to have a big impact in kid’s lives and the greater soccer community in Portland, certainly a loss too soon and may he rest in peace.

I met Josh going to masons soccer games as he was masons coach and he became really close to my family through my parents. I didn’t start spending time with Josh until covid hit and I joined mason and some of his friends at Ridegwood Elementary (my old school) doing soccer workouts to be able to stay in a secure bubble, socialize/have fun, and get out of the house to stay in shape for football. Josh has always been a super funny charismatic person who was able to connect with people of all ages in a variety of ways whether it was a good laugh or something serious at the workouts we had serious or funny conversations and everything in between our relationship got that close he would give me life advice sense I was the oldest. The last time I saw him was when I invited him to my graduation party in June of last year. I love and appreciate every moment I had with Josh and will cherish it for the rest of my life he was such an important role model to me in a time of my life where I was changing and maturing as a person and he guided me into the right direction to help me achieve my goals.

Rest in Peace Josh Brown. I enjoyed coaching club with you, your love for the game, your blunt honesty and love for educating kids on all levels. You were one of a kind and will be missed my friend ❤️

I don’t know if this is the right section to type this in but I just wanted to say a few things. My relationship with Josh was that he was my personal trainer that I went to with my brother and some friends weekly, for about a year and a half. When I was working out with him it was during a time in my life where I didn’t really know what to think of myself and how to portray myself to other people. Josh was always amazing at helping me be myself and is a huge part of the reason for the ways I am confident and connected with myself today, I was in HS at the time and I was very disconnected with myself and it would be extremely difficult to even form opinions on my own and being under the covered area of an old school working out with him and my friends was an amazing way to learn a lot of things about myself. He gave me a lot of perspective that I would have never had otherwise in my life. He would always show up with the big speaker and we’d blast music from artists like Polo G and lil tjay, and while that doesn’t mean anything to a lot of people to me and my best friend whenever any of the artists Josh would play would come on we have always called it a Josh song, in a way to look back on the days that we all got to work out together.
There were 2 times in my life recently that I had seen josh, one was at Addisons graduation party and it was really good to catch up with him. And the last time was a couple days before Christmas I was at the plaid pantry near my house at around 10:30 at night with a friend and he said “yo Ronan Whatsup bud what are you doing here” and after making some quick small talk I gave him a big hug and said have a great night. 
Part of me feels haunted that, that was the last time I saw him and how close it was to what happened, but the other part of me is extremely happy that I got to see him one last time. Thank you Josh for being one of my biggest male role models in my life and for helping in shaping me into the person I am today :))

Josh was our son Braden's first coach on a competitive team for BSC ten years ago.  We always knew it took the patience of a saint to corral and teach a horde of 10-year old boys, and Josh did it with ease and grace.  Over the last few years we would see Josh down at the local park with what we referred to as JBFC - the Josh Brown Football Club - training kids individually or in small groups.  It was always a joy to catch up with Josh and hear his continued love for the game and coaching.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Jason & Maggie Wells

Hey josh, my friend, you left a lasting impact on all of us. We spent over 10 years together as co-workers and friends, and I’m grateful for every moment. Your humor and caring nature made everyday brighter. I’ll never forget how you’d start our mornings with a cheerful ‘good morning’ and genuine interest in our lives. You even won the hearts of my son and husband who thought you were awesome. Your breakfast treats and funny jokes made work feel like a joyride. And let’s not forget your incredible love for the children you cared for. You always went the extra mile to make them laugh, whether it was through silly costumes, hilarious pajamas, or playing soccer with them. You were a true champion for those kids. Mariah was lucky to have you as a husband, and your furry friends must miss you dearly. Josh, your absence leaves a void in all our lives, and it’s hard to believe you are gone. We will forever cherish the memories we shared and the impact you made. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will greatly be missed. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. My deepest condolences to your family.

Josh coached me my first year of competitive soccer. Even now at 20, with countless coaches and teams under my belt, I look back at the memories I had with Josh as the most meaningful. Josh was a compassionate person, whether it was soccer or creating connections with others, and this has stuck with me till this day. Josh’s outgoing and upbringing presence is something I have missed since we parted ways years ago, and it’s heartbreaking to know I won’t get to feel it again in this life. Thanks for being a role model for my younger self, for being an amazing coach and friend, and for pushing me to pursue the sport I love so much. You’ll forever be missed by me and my family! 

Rest well, 
Max

Josh was truly an amazing person;  kind, gentle, loving, caring, and always generous with the giving of his time  to help young people grow into bigger and better people. I’m sure I speak for many who have not found their way here, but I know there is immense gratitude in our extended soccer community for his mentoring and friendship. Never too hard and never too soft;  and always balanced in his teaching of  how to have fun, work hard and respect/love one another.  Our hearts go out to Mariah and to all of Josh’s family.   We are all so terribly sad to have lost such an amazing person. 

Thomas Shipley

Josh was our neighbor.  My husband Todd would chat with Josh and his sweetheart Mariah several times a week "through" the fence!   I was afraid of his exuberant dogs (on the other side of our fence) until he told me that if I fed them, they would calm down and just love me.  He kept re-filling a jar a dog treats for my husband and I to feed them once in awhile.   Sure enough, after one bark to let me know they were there at the fence, they would go to the corner and wait patiently for Todd or I to feed them.  Josh loved his job as coach...I'm sure there are many young people and their parents who have been touched by his positive outlook. Josh will be missed but remembered.

Our family and community suffered a great loss last Monday. Josh was Landon's head soccer coach for the last eight months. He was also my coworker and mentor, but more importantly he was my friend. His enthusiasm, energy, charisma and generosity were unmatched. He always had the biggest smile on his face. The void he left behind will be felt for a long time to come. We only got to be with him for a short period of time, but we made many memories that we'll hold dear forever. I've never gotten so close to someone in such a short period of time. I will do my best to honor his memory and legacy. Our sympathy and condolences go out to his wife, Mariah, and his family. RIP Josh. We'll miss you more than you could ever know.

-Devin Snyder

Josh was a friend, coach, mentor and big brother to Mason. His heart was made of gold!!! Josh pushed Mason as an athlete but also guided him to become a better son and human being through their one on one conversations. Josh balanced those things beautifully. Our hearts are breaking for Mariah and the rest of their family. Josh will be greatly missed but his impact on Mason will forever be kept in a special place in our hearts.

I am so thankful to have had Josh (and Mariah) as my soccer coaches and fitness trainers. They have shaped me into the person and goalkeeper I am today. I’ll miss the Polo G.

Say it all Josh sitting with the ones he loves and that loves him, with a big smile. It was his birthday and the kids decided that he needed a crown, princess baloon so we had to complete it with the glasses!

We will miss your energy and positivity. With only knowing you for a short while, your impact was huge. Ilyas always loved to see you on the soccer fields and always had something to say about Coach Josh.  Much love, The Nehiri Family.

Josh will be missed. He was a great coach but also taught the boys life lessons they won’t forget. It is so sad he is gone too soon. Our condolences to his family.

Josh always brought out the best in our kids!  An open, smart, fun, caring FORCE in our lives stolen way too soon.  So many sad boys tonight sharing powerful memories of a man they will never ever forget.  Our hearts go out to Mariah, his family and his pups.  We are so grateful for his time with us.  💔😔

Josh was an amazing soccer coach and person. We would meet every week after school to get extra soccer training in.  We had so much fun together and made memories that I will never forget.  From listening to music, to laughing at hilarious moments. We will all miss you Josh, you where an amazing coach and friend who was always loved by the whole team.

When Covid first hit in 2020 I was in 6th grade, being isolated for months not seeing friends, and family were extremely difficult. I have a friend who is one of Josh’s players in soccer that Josh had brought a group of kids and teens whom I all knew to workout and play futsal at RidgeWood elementary. I was relieved to have found an escape from loneliness.  I had never been so happy to feel apart of something when it felt there was nothing. He was a very easy person to connect with and his involvement to bring us together was incredible. I’m very thankful for him. Although I have not seen Josh in a few years I will never forget those workouts.

Josh was an amazing coach to our son Lucas! He was a mentor that not only emphasized good soccer skills but also how to be a honorable person and teammate! These skills will keep his legacy alive in all the young lives he touched! Mariah and pups our hearts go out to you! Thank you for sharing Josh with us! He will be missed and always remembered. 
With love,
The Shaffer Family

I haven’t seen Josh since high school but I remember him vividly. Going into a new school you’re always intimidated by all the new people and older class men but Josh wasn’t one of them. For some reason we became friends and every time we saw each other he would call me out and make me feel welcome. 

One of my favorite memories is when our PE class played the varsity men’s basketball team for a scrimmage. Our state ranked basketball team had their hands full and lost to a rag tag group of under class men who didn’t make the basketball team led by Josh and coach web. 

He was kind, fun and always had the biggest smile on his face. I wish our paths had crossed again and I’m heart broken to hear of his early passing.

Josh was such a great coach. He coached me at north west elite and gave me my first goalie Jersey. I will always remember him for his kindness, encouragement and support.
  Fondly, Bennett Dingwall

My thoughts & prayers to Cindy & family. So saddened to hear of Josh’s passing. So many fond memories of Josh & mine growing up. R.I.P . ❤️

OBITUARY

Pernell "Josh" Tyrone Brown Jr.

September 20, 1983 – December 25, 2023

Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park

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