Joshua "Josh" Edwin Blyler was born on June 26, 1983. Josh was a guy who was full of energy and loved life. He was a free-spirited individual who made every day count. His motto in life was "It's all good". Josh was an amazing person who was loved by many and touched everyone who came in contact with him. Josh exhibited Christ-like character every day he lived on this earth, and made all who knew him proud of him. Josh was nothing short of incredible. He was gorgeous, intelligent, fun, kind, loving, ambitious, thoughtful, gentle with words, etc....there aren't enough adjectives to describe him. 
Times Square, NY (Senior Trip 2001)
The most important part of Josh's life was that Josh was a born-again believer of Jesus Christ. In June of 1999, Josh received Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a "Go Tell" Youth Camp. It was then that his life took a new direction, and he became a man who began to follow the Lord with all his heart. He was a member of Wingate Road Baptist Church for several years. In January, 2003, the Lord called him to serve at Oak Leaf Baptist Church where he became a member and often ushered. 
Dollywood in Tennessee on Josh's & Kelly's vacation (2002) Josh graduated from First Coast Christian School, May 25, 2001. He attended Florida Community College of Jacksonville, and soon after, transferred to Saint John's Community College (St. Augustine, FL) to attend the Police Academy. Josh had always dreamed of becoming a police officer. He wanted to make a difference in the community; he wanted to serve and protect the people. 
Senior Picture (Class of 2001)
He would often talk about his dreams of becoming the Sheriff of Jacksonville one day. Josh was driven and motivated by his dreams to do the very best he could in the Academy, and later, on the Force. Josh worked full-time at Kingdom Carpets for and with his close friend, Jeff, the entire time he went to the Academy. Josh would work all day, and then drive 50 miles one way to the Academy for night classes (5pm-10pm). He did this 5 days a week for 7 months, until he graduated, paying for the Academy entirely by himself---he was very driven to fulfilling his dreams! Josh graduated from the Police Academy in July of 2003, with all A's (YEA, JOSH!). He applied to the Saint John's County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) immediately following his graduation. 
St. John's Police Academy Class A Uniform (June 2003)
Josh was hired and "sworn in" on August 25, 2003 as a Deputy Sheriff for SJSO. He was hired with friends from the Academy, alongside one of his closest friends, Adam, who was later Josh's room mate. Josh was so excited about fulfilling his dreams as an officer, and worked hard every day to become what the Lord had called him to be. Many of the people who worked with Josh on the force knew him as a "happy-go-lucky" kind of guy. He was always willing to help where help was needed and was dedicated to his work. Josh moved to Saint John's County, FL, with his room mate, Adam, in September of 2003, where he resided up until his death. 
Josh had many hobbies, mostly in the area of cars. He drove a white 1994 Z-28 Camaro, of which he LOVED! He enjoyed working on "her" & fixing "her" up. He loved to take the t-tops off and drive anywhere, playing his favorite riding song, Metallica's "Enter the Sandman". Josh also enjoyed going to car shows around town, and going to bike week every year in Daytona, FL. Josh also liked to play pool, and would often go out with friends to the local pool hall for a game. Watching baseball games, especially the Braves, was another past time of Josh's. 
The infamous Z-28
On May 2, 2004, Josh was taken to Heaven by our Lord, to begin his eternal life with Christ. Josh never feared death, for he knew that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). Josh has received his promised gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ. He is surrounded by the glory of the Lord, and the Lord's face shines upon Him. Josh rests in the presence of an Almighty God, eternally at rest. May 2, 2004 was not a loss for Josh---he received the greatest gift that day...the gift of eternal life. 
Josh served with the Saint John's County Sheriff's Office for a little over 9 months. He was liked and respected among all his co-workers. He served the force well, and died doing what he always wanted to do. Josh's badge number was 3257.  Josh had a "Life Verse"...a passage of scripture in which he chose as an every day encouragement in life. The Life Verse Josh kept close to heart was 1 Corinthians 13:11-12: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Josh's life verse is now an incredible reality for him. He sees the Lord face to face, residing in the glory of the Lord. Josh KNOWS the Lord. He no longer hopes for the day that he meets Christ, for Josh has already met Him....Josh abides with the Lord. There is nothing more awesome than that!
 
Some things about Josh.... Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Movie: Days of Thunder Favorite Songs/Groups: Metallica's "Enter the Sandman", when driving in his car. His 2 favorite praise & worship songs were "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "Be Magnified". Some of Josh's favorite groups included Metallica, Three Doors Down, Rascal Flats, Evanescence, Mercy Me, & Third Day. He liked country music, but loved his rock music. :0) Favorite Food: Josh LOVED food! He could never decide his favorite, because he loved food in general. However, Josh frequented Chinese restaurants, especially Chan's Chinese. He also loved Italian food, as well as Kelly's "homemade" chicken & dumplin's. Oh, and we can't forget Josh's & Kelly's all-time favorite meal of champions....that's right...Chicken flavored Ramen Noodles (don't forget to crush them up in the bag, and put them in before the water starts boiling for the best taste). Josh also loved Taco Bell, of which he re-named, "Taco Smell" for obvious reasons. :0) Favorite TV show: Smallville
Spring Break in St. Augustine, FL (2001)
"His Journey's Just Begun"
Don't think of him as gone away--
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets--
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost--
and he was loved so much.
--E. BRENNEMAN 
A day at the Academy (2003)
In honor of Josh's life & death, donations have been made to the following non-profit organizations: 
Josh's "First Snow" (Josh's & Kelly's Vacation to North Carolina, 2000) *If you have a memory or picture, of Josh, of which you would like to share, please feel free to share in the "Memories" section of this site. Miscellaneous pictures can be added to the "Photos" section, if you have one to share. If you are visiting this site, and did not know Josh, while he lived on earth, please feel free to sign the Guest Book. Thank you.* 
A picture of Josh's name on the Police Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Site Creator: Kelly L. Gillain
Site Created: January 2005
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