Joshua “Josh” Eugene Near of Anaconda and Whitehall, Montana.
Josh was born in Helena, Montana on December 7, 1986 – he chose to leave this world on December 28, 2020. He was 34 years old.
Josh was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and loved to shoot pool. As a member of the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery his last year of Military service, he found folding the flag to present to grieving families was one of his most difficult tasks.
He will be remembered for his wit and dry sense of humor.
Josh was preceded in death by his mother, Chris Near; grandmother, Elizabeth Hemen; grandfathers, Duane Hemen and Bud Clemo and several uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Tim and Pat Near; grandmother, Joyce Clemo; sister, Nichole (Andy) Fincher; brothers, Zach and Mike Near; stepsisters, Becky (Sean) Reid and Connie (Chris) Odegard; stepbrother, Drew (Linsey) Huls; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
A service will be held at a later date and will be announced when arrangements are complete. A memorial marker will be placed in honor of Josh at Sunset Memorial Park in Butte, Montana.
Memorials in honor of Josh are suggested to Missionoutdoors.org.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Josh. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Josh and his family.
Rachel Monforton says
I have fond memories of Josh as a former student in school. He worked hard for his good grades and loved wrestling season! It was always exciting to see him pin an opponent. My heartfelt condolences to Josh’s family and prayer that he is at peace.
Pam scheett says
Going to miss your smiling face and your laugh. You will be dearly missed there will never be any one like you again my heart has a hole that will never be filled. My you fined peace love you and miss you R.I.P. my dear friend
Becky faulkner says
he was a great friend and always stuck up for me when no one would ,he was always making me laugh even when I didn’t want toove u josh
Cindy Gorman says
You were a great guy Josh and we miss you very much.
Jamie DeBates says
Tim, we’re holding you ever so tightly in our thoughts and prayers.
Kitty Reed says
I will always remember Josh’s quick smile and his way of making others feel at ease. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marlene Holland Murdo says
Tim, I’m so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.
Michael Sawyer says
was so shocked to read about you passing. Though we didn’t work together much or for long I always enjoyed my days at McDonald’s when you were working. Rest Easy friend.
Rita weightman says
Sending condolences to all of the Near family. We are so sorry for the loss of Josh. God bless you all. RIP Josh. Thank you for serving our country, what a fine young man.
Danielle Nicole Carlyle says
Josh, i have so many memories with you they would not even fit into this column box they are giving me to type! My kids adored you, i adored you, we loved you, & love you still today. I wish all the tears ive cried, slept ive lost, & this emptyness aching pain in my heart could bring you back, but it wont. You came into my life when we went to school in Whitehall, we reunited in the weirdest but most miracle of ways, & you coming back into my life saved me & is truly the honest to god reason why I am here today! You helped me get through the toughest , darkest times of my life, you kept me smiling, held me while I cried, helped me regain my sanity, my strength, you helped me fight off demons & kept me here & made me realize my worth. We spent everyday together for the majority of the last almost 3 years, from sunup to sundown, we spent hours laughing together, hazing each other, sharing stories, reminiscing on our past, talked about our struggles, shared our weaknesses & strengths. We ran a company together, we flourished in what we did & always had one amothers back. I supported you, you supported me , & we always celebrated together, or grieved together, or complained together of how we knew we both worked so hard but & deserved more , but were proud of how far we came. I remember many nights dancing with you, sharing moscoto or whisky, laughing at how crazy everyone thought we were but we didnt care. I remeber you Nerf gun war fighting with my kids, or spoiling them as if they were your own blood. I will never forget all the times you picked me up off my feet when I had given up hope, when helped me see the light of a better future. Slumber parties, birthday parties, BBQs, garage drinking games, you making fun of me , or me annoying you because of your sarcasm , ugh the list is so never ending. I have no regrets other then wishing all the times we promised “tomorrow” we said hey lets get those drinks & hang out or “tomorrow lets make time to chill” or for letting small distances cause us the consistency of always feeling #1 about ourselves because we let little things in life cause that gap. I regret them most because tomorrow will now never come with you & I told you how much I appreceiated you, loved you cared for you being a brother, friend, coworker, & family to me & my kids always , without ever batting an eye , & I told you how much I missed you or wanted you to take time off, or take a chill pill about little things & have a night to catch up, to the point youd get nerve to flip me off, giggle or send me a pinky promise emoji. But this pandemic dampered on alot of that. My dearest friend, unbiological brother, loving caring sweet veteran, I will always remeber you, always hang your pictures, our pictures high on my walls, I will never forget our memories, & I will never let you be forgotten!! Josh I promise that I will serve my purpose to you, your parents , nichole & her kids your family, in honoring you to give back all I can to the cause of others , veterans everywhere , make a difference, an impact, & I will fight for you & i will always love you & have your back! I pinky promise,Until we meet again, Love Always! Danielle Carlyle! #;IGY6 # 22istomany #veteranlivesmatter
Howard Maesar says
sorry to hear of your sons passing 🙏 prayers sent your way
Tammy Beattie says
As a military mom, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope he is at peace. I did not know him but share your grief.
Ian Willett says
I was Nears Platoon Sergeant in the Army while he was stationed at Fort Carson. Josh was an outstanding Soldier. I remember the first day he showed up the the unit. Proud to be from MT and ready to serve his country. We deployed to Afghanistan shortly after. He was one of my Machine Gunners. He carried the M240B on hundreds of dismounted Combat patrols in the Arghandab River Valley in Afghanistan. We went through some hard times in that country but Near was always the one with a good attitude and eager to help out. I truly enjoyed serving with him and it was a honor to have been his leader. We all accomplished some amazing feats that year. Over 260 IED’s and we killed or captured over a dozen Taliban members. Josh will me missed and it hurts my heart to know he went in the way he did. We love all of our Hooligans. He will be and is missed. Till Valhalla warrior!!! Hooligan 7!
Carolyn (McKinney) Brown says
Josh was my next-door locker buddy all through middle & high school! Our birthdays were also just one day apart. He was very smart all through school and his help is the only reason I passed geometry. He was such a kind soul and good friend, hurts to see how he left this world at such a young age. I am proud to see all that he accomplished in his service in the military. You will be missed, Josh.