Joshua David Smith

Joshua David Smith, “Josh”, 37, departed this worldly existence on September 2, 2026, in Pocatello, Idaho. Josh will be so missed by everyone who loved and knew him. Josh was a precious son, brother, father and shining light to all who’s path he crossed.

Josh was born on June 23, 1989, the eldest child of Wiley and Gayla Smith, on a beautiful summer morning in San Diego, CA at the Balboa Naval Hospital.

Josh was a typical little boy with curiosity and wonder galore. He attended Wilcox Elementary, Hawthorne Junior High and graduated from Pocatello High School in 2007. To say that Josh was a bundle of energy was a huge understatement. If you look up the phrase “bounced off the walls”, you would probably find Josh’s picture. Josh was incredibly talented, blessed with a beautiful singing voice and could dance like no other. Music was Josh’s life. His favorite quote was “Music is what feelings sound like.” He would blow us away with his ability to beatbox while humming the music to a song. Josh would make friends wherever he went. He was a social butterfly who genuinely wanted to know you and would just ask “how’s your day going?”, even to total strangers. On many occasions, Josh would see someone in public, maybe at a grocery store who needed help with their groceries and would take off to help them in any way he could. He was always on the lookout for someone to help. Josh genuinely cared for all those around him.

Josh had a multitude of friends and would do anything for them. If all he had was a dollar, he would give it to someone who might need it more. He touched many lives in ways that we don’t even fully know yet. What we do know for sure is that Josh’s intentions came from a place that was pure and genuine. Josh had a huge heart and was a very deep thinker who would contemplate life and so many other things on another level.

Josh won the Patriotism Award in grade school based on an essay he wrote himself. He also won the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness.

Josh had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel and experience new things. He was an excellent salesman. He spent many summers working as a salesman all over the United States and excelled by breaking sales records and recruiting and training others. Josh could talk to literally anyone and make them feel important.

Josh is survived by his mother, Gayla Syphus, Pocatello, ID; his father, Wiley Smith (MaryAnn) Boise, ID; his sisters Devri Syphus-Cunningham (Cody), Pocatello, ID; Jordyn Beckham (Matthew) Boise, ID; brothers Dylan Smith, Pocatello, ID; and Cameron Smith, Kona, HI; Grandmother Evelyn Willmore, Chubbuck, ID; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind 4 beautiful children, Quincy, Noah, Ava and Ellie. Josh can now see his children whenever he wants to.

Josh was preceded in death, and now joins his Grandfathers David Syphus, Darwin “Charlie” Smith and Joseph “Ike” Willmore; Grandmother Rita Miser, and many aunts and uncles. Josh loved his family fiercely and our love for him will be never-ending.

Josh is now free of pain, worry and the human experience that is sometimes difficult and trying. He has shed all things that challenged him in this life and flies free with only his perfect and abundant love! His absence will leave a huge hole in our hearts, but we know he is still with us. He has already shown us signs that he is close by. Rest well warrior!!

A Celebration of Life/Wake will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Upper Ross Park Pavilion, 3101 Avenue of the Chiefs, Pocatello, ID. We encourage everyone to come and share your memories and stories about Josh. He touched many lives in so many ways, and we would love to hear how he touched yours.