Joshua Wroy France

Joshua France, a beloved son, brother, friend, and artist, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 27th , at the age of 26 surrounded by his family. Born on February 4, 1998, in Puyallup, Washington, Joshua lived a life full of love, creativity, and resilience. Diagnosed at the age of four with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that gradually weakened his muscles, Joshua faced immense challenges. However, he never let these obstacles define his spirit or limit his potential.

Joshua was an active young boy, who we often described as our “little linebacker.” Despite becoming wheelchair bound at the age of 9, Joshua remained active and involved with many activities such as the Boy Scouts of America. Joshua earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award at the age of 15. His eagle project benefited medically fragile newborns, as Joshua wanted to help the most precious spirits among us.

From a young age, Joshua had the voice of an angel. However, it was not until high school that he discovered the performing arts when he was cast as Humpty Dumpty in Shrek the Musical. Joshua had found his people. He grew a passion for music and theatre that would guide him throughout his life.

He was a beautiful vocal artist, performing in choirs and musicals at Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. He was a member of the QuarterTones, a high school quartet formed with lifelong friends. His love for music and theatre continued into his college years, where he became an accomplished vocal artist performing with the Chamber Singers at Utah Tech University (UTU), Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and various productions.

Joshua graduated from UTU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, with an emphasis toward directing. As a senior, he was honored as the "Theatre Department Student of the Year." His portrayal of Christopher in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time showed his skillful acting talent. He was a gifted sound designer for both theatre and film, most recently contributing his talents to productions at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. His directorial debut in Stupid F#%*ing Bird in 2020 was met with acclaim, and his direction of Rent in 2022 showcased his incredible creative vision.

• Joshua's contribution to the arts was profound, and though his body faced limitations, his creativity knew no bounds. In his own words, Joshua wrote: 

• "As a creator, I aspire towards being more than just the role of one singular aspect of theatre. I play the role of director, producer, sound technician, designer, musician, manager, and artist. I have grown through hard work and dedication to prove that I am more than what others assume about me…The ability to create, to express myself through an artform of unfathomable potential brings me freedom. My disability does not limit my potential to climb societal mountains and defeat impossible odds. I am greater than the sum of my parts."
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Joshua was a deeply spiritual person. He was member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He completed a Service Mission at the Records Operations Center where he found joy immersed in history. His faith in Jesus Christ gave him strength and understanding throughout his life, living by the principles of love, compassion, and service to others. So much of Joshua’s character, outlook on life, and influence came from a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.

Joshua had a deep love for epic board games and spent countless hours as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons & Dragons. His skill and imagination as a DM wowed both family and friends, making their weekly games a cherished tradition. Joshua’s worlds were full of adventure, and his storytelling brought characters and battles to life in unforgettable ways.

Joshua’s love for storytelling extended into his passion for anime and manga, which he immersed himself in with great enthusiasm. His family jokes that they hope Joshua has already discovered the location of the legendary One Piece. His love for these epic tales reflected the themes he identified with: adventure, heroism, and the triumph of spirit.

• While Joshua loved all forms of music, he had a particular fondness for sea shanties and epic ballads. He found deep resonance in the lyrics of songs like "Legendary," from the developmental Epic: The Musical, which became a personal anthem for him:

• "Dreamin' of all these monsters that I'll never get to fight. But boy, I wish I could, so I could bring the world some light…Give me sirens and a cyclops, Give me giants and a hydra, I know life and fate are scary, But I wanna be legendary."

Joshua truly was legendary, embodying the spirit of a hero in his own life. He drew strength and inspiration from these epic tales and songs, and they became a part of who he was.

• Joshua was an avid reader, especially of epic fantasy novels. His favorite author was Brandon Sanderson, but he could also discuss the intricate details of J. R. R. Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion like no other. Joshua's love for these stories reflected his own journey of courage and resilience. He closely identified with the song "I'm Still Here" from Treasure Planet, finding comfort in lyrics that expressed his independent spirit and determination:

•  "And how can the world want me to change? They're the ones that stay the same. They can't see me but I'm still here." 

Like the heroes in the stories he loved, Joshua stood firm in who he was, defying the odds and living life on his own terms.

• Joshua’s character, optimism, wit, and passion touched the lives of everyone he met. His family, friends, and colleagues all bear witness to his remarkable ability to bring joy, creativity, and kindness into the world. Joshua’s presence was felt not only through his art but also through his loving spirit. As an example, a friend wrote this journal entry prior to Joshua’s passing:

“He’s an incredible person, a special soul. His attitude and fortitude through his deteriorating physical condition is inspiring. I admire him as much as anyone I’ve met in my life…How humbling it is to have a friend like Josh France. Even if his body were whole, I suspect his character would be as it is now, full of optimism, vitality, sincerity, and passion. There surely are many others who agree with me when I say that simply knowing Josh is to be changed. I know I have been.”

Joshua was predeceased by his sister Emilee, who tragically passed away in February of this year. His family finds comfort knowing that Joshua and Emilee are now reunited, dancing, singing, and laughing together in perfect joy. Joshua is survived by his parents, Gary and Christine, his siblings Raye and Samuel, nephew Felix, brothers-in-law Levi (Raye) and Chris (Emilee), and many loving friends, extended family, and colleagues.

Joshua will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will continue to live on through his art, his love for his family and friends, and the lives he touched.

A Celebration Life will be held at UTU – Eccles Fine Arts Center – Main Stage, on Friday, November 1st, 2024. 6:30-8pm. Details to follow on social media. Those attending are encouraged to wear a touch of purple or color to reflect Joshua's creative spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in Joshua’s memory: mda.org/ways-to-give. At the Celebration of Life, there will be an opportunity to donate to Joshua’s resting place. We are collecting photos/videos of Joshua. Please email to joshuafrance@submit.memento.com, or upload directly to albums.memento.com/joshuafrance.