Joshua C. Pursley

Joshua C. Pursley (46) It is with profound sadness that the family of Joshua Clay Pursley announces his passing on July 27, 2022. Josh died by suicide at his home in Independence, Missouri. He was 46 years old. Although he battled courageously with lifelong mental health issues, sadly in his last moments, his pain became too much to bear. He will always be remembered for his sweet demeanor and his love for his kids. Josh will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Norman and Peggy Pursley of Kansas City, Missouri; his five children, Megan, Dylan, Lane, Ryan, and Faith; his siblings, Doug Pursley (Amy) of Overland Park, Kansas, Danny Breedlove (Amy) of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Jake Pursley (Hilary Haley) of Eagleville, Missouri; as well as many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased in death by his grandparents, Norris and Emma Jane Pursley of Sarcoxie, Missouri and Thomas and Rita Fuller of Liberty, Missouri. On April 6, 1976, Josh entered this world with gusto in Orange County, California, inspiring his love of the beach and free spiritedness. As a child, he and his parents moved back to their hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Naturally gifted, he excelled at swimming and achieved several notable performances. Later in life, Josh graduated from Maple Woods Community College with his Associate’s Degree and went on to work in the healthcare information technology sector, where he worked with Cerner for nearly 15 years. Josh enjoyed taking vacations to the beach and dreamed of one day living on the beach where he could listen to the ocean waves crash onto shore. At home, he enjoyed gardening, especially tending to his prized rose bushes. He loved music and he never lost his love of swimming. Of the many interests that Josh held, his greatest joy in life came from being a father. After the birth of his first two children, Josh spent as much time with them as he could. He liked to make each day an adventure with them and loved taking them on trips to Worlds of Fun. He even took up photography to better capture their time together. When he became a father again to his youngest three kids, Josh once again enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible and loved to share in their interests. Whether it was playing Pokémon GO, building LEGO masterpieces, setting up weekly movie nights, or even getting his nails painted, he created joy and magic for them however he could. Josh will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. A memorial service to honor Josh is scheduled for 11:00a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022 at Fairview Christian Church located at 1800 NE 65th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64118. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations can be made in Josh’s name. You can help carry on the memory of Josh by supporting Mental Health America of the Heartland through a restricted "In Memory of Josh Pursley". This contribution will support MHAH’s educational efforts to enhance people’s ability to express difficult emotions and discuss mental health. Visit https://mhah.org/ ; Mental Health America of the Heartland 739 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, please consider contacting the National Suicide Hotline by visiting https://988lifeline.org/ or by dialing 988

Joshua C. Pursley

April 6, 1976 - July 27, 2022