Obituary of Joshua Miguel Rodriguez

Joshua Miguel Rodriguez, our beloved son, brother, and friend, departed this world on Friday, December 6, 2024, after a sudden health event unexpected to us, but known by God.

Josh was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 9, 1992, as the first child of the late Luis Rodriguez and Lenora (Sewell) Rodriguez. The peace of being an only child was soon disrupted by the birth of his sister, Lutie Rodriguez, who became both a regular tormentor and adored companion.

Josh spent his whole childhood in Tulsa and later attended the University of Tulsa, where he impressively double majored in electrical engineering and music. In 2016, he moved to Tucson, where he lived until he passed, to attend the University of Arizona’s optical sciences graduate program. While there, he was drawn to hands-on lab work researching cutting-edge LiDAR techniques, work that continued in his professional life.

Soon after relocating to Tucson, Josh found a spiritual home at King’s Cross Anglican Church. He was a devoted servant to the church and, through his involvement, was discerned to be ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church in North America on November 5, 2022, after completing coursework in Diaconal Studies at Trinity Anglican Seminary. So much of Josh’s life went into serving the Lord through the church: administering Sunday services, hosting weekly Tuesday Bible studies at his house, and building relationships at both his workplace and at the University of Arizona. Josh was purposeful in building a network of friends outside the church, which exemplified his service as a deacon in and for the world.

Many people will tell you that the community Josh built is one of his strongest legacies. Josh loved his people. They spent their time hiking in the mountains around Tucson, camping, road tripping, running in Catalina State Park, home- (or campsite) brewing the finest coffee, fishing, and grilling steaks. He also always made time to visit and take trips with his family, often to state and national parks.

As you can tell, Josh had a long list of avocations: music (a cellist, since age 10), running, cycling, hiking, photography, coffee brewing, and, more recently, fly fishing. He volunteered his time to play cello with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and loved to spend weekend mornings cycling to Mercado San Agustin for a coffee from Presta and a donut from La Estrella.

Josh’s passing, comfortingly, seems to have happened after doing something he loved: running. The doctor determined that he died as a result of a pulmonary embolism that developed in his legs—likely during his Thanksgiving flights home—and travelled to his lungs. While his death and its suddenness make little sense to us, we are clinging to the things that Josh loved: Christ, nature, and community. As the doctor said while delivering the explanation of his death, what is the meaning of life if it’s not spent going to visit family?

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to King's Cross Anglican Church or National Park Foundation.   Service will be livestreamed at: tulsafbc.online.church 

Ninde Brookside | 918-742-5556 | www.ninde.com