06/02/2026
Some stories stay with you.
Josh was a craftsman, a Harley rider, a devoted dog dad, and a beloved uncle. He was also someone who believed deeply in caring for others and cherishing our time on Earth.
When Josh passed unexpectedly, his decision to register as an organ, tissue, and eye donor created a lasting legacy. Through his gifts, sight was restored, lives were improved, and hope continued for hundreds of recipients.
His sister Jessica shared that the connections she has made with others in the donation community have been life-changing, providing support, understanding, and hope along the way.
At Taylor's Gift, we are honored to walk alongside donor and donor-in-spirit families as they navigate grief and find connection through community. Stories like Josh's remind us that a legacy of generosity can continue long after a life ends. 🩵
Thank you to Live On Nebraska for sharing Josh's story and honoring his incredible impact.
Learn More: https://www.taylorsgift.org/griefsupport
"My brother Josh was so much more than what met the eye. He was a tall, bearded, tattooed biker who could seem intimidating if you didn’t know him, but those of us who loved him knew the truth. He was a squishy teddy bear on the inside.
Josh was the kind of person who would go out of his way to do anything he could to improve the lives of others. In addition to riding his Harley, he was a skilled woodworker, concrete craftsman, and metalworker, and a devoted Great Dane dog dad. Most of all, he loved being “Uncle Gosh” to his four nieces and three nephews.
The year before we lost him, Josh found a baby hummingbird that had died near his workshop. He gently brought it inside and built it a small custom coffin, writing a message on the lid. It read:
'Hummingbirds’ meaning to me: Appreciate the beauty around us, stay present in the moment, celebrate the wonder of the natural world, and welcome deep connections between all living things, and the importance of cherishing our short time on Earth. Hummingbirds tell us the joy of love and the inevitability of death. Be free now. JS'
That moment really captures who he was: thoughtful, reflective, and deeply connected to the world around him. When he passed unexpectedly from a subarachnoid hemorrhage and ruptured berry aneurysm, it was no surprise to us that he was a registered organ, tissue, and eye donor. Our mom was a strong advocate for organ donation and made sure we all understood the importance of registering as donors and sharing our wishes with our loved ones.
Through Josh’s gift of donation, he was able to restore sight to two older men in the Midwest, and his tissue donations will go on to improve the quality of life for more than 500 recipients.
For me personally, the connections I’ve made through organizations connected to Josh’s donation have been life-changing. I’ve found support and hope through incredible people who advocate for donor families. I am forever grateful for these relationships, and for the kindness and compassion shown to us." - Jessica, donor sister to Josh