Joshua Parrott, loving husband, father, brother, and friend to many, moved on from this world unexpectedly on April 9th, 2023 at age 47. Josh leaves behind a hole in the hearts of many who knew and loved him, as he truly did not know a stranger. He is remembered for his generous spirit to all who encountered him.
Hailing from the North Woods of Michigan, Josh was born on August 14th, 1975 and grew up spending summers outdoors where he discovered his love of wildlife and the natural world. Even after leaving Michigan to live various places in the US, including Washington State for much of his adult life, his heart always belonged to the Upper Peninsula which he said he would one day return for good. He kept true to his word and settled in Escanaba in 2021 where he had a beloved community of family and friends.
Josh welcomed his daughter Alexandra “Rudy” Parrott June 28th, 1995 with then partner turned lifelong friend Lisa Key when he was just 19 years old. Despite his young age, he was an old soul and devoted father to his daughter who was his pride and joy. He had already begun his career in trucking at 18 years old, starting his own moving company, On Call Movers. He went on to become one of the best drivers in the industry, winning “Driver of the Year” in 2020 with Allied Van Lines as an independent owner/operator. Josh loved the road as it enabled him to travel the beautiful country and see wildlife, and he knew the interstates all over like the back of his hand.
In his thirties Josh discovered the wonder and accessibility of birds, expanding on his vast knowledge of wildlife that had mainly consisted of mammals prior. He became involved in the birding community and joined the National Audobon Society in Skagit Valley, WA. It is then when he pursued a lifelong dream: wildlife photography. Josh utilized his time on the road to locate and photograph many species of birds and other animals all over the country, which he had an artist’s eye and natural talent for. He landed two photographs in the National Audobon top 100 photo contest in 2010, and again in 2016.
On January 22nd, 2021 Joshua married his love Alicia Parrott, who shared his adventurous spirit and love of nature’s beauty. Together they explored the country in his truck, went on backroad journeys, and read books together.
Joshua is survived by his wife, Alicia Parrott of Escanaba; daughter Alexandra Parrott and Alexandra’s fiancé Erik Hester of Houston, TX; father Dennis Parrott of Rapid River; brothers Shane Parrott of Escanaba, Nicholas (Vanessa) Parrott of Saint Paul, MN, and Jacob (Laura) Parrott of Sedro Wooley, WA; and nieces and nephews Hunter, Leah, Jasper, Sebastian, and Elyzabeth.
Joshua is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Parrott.
A memorial service will be held at Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba on Saturday, May 6th, with a visitation hour from 11:00 am to noon, and a service to follow. A luncheon will be held at the Escanaba Elk’s lodge following the memorial service. Josh will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.
mary C groleau - Escanaba, MI
To my nephew Josh: As a child Josh always loved being out in the woods and taking rides with his grandparents and seeing nature from animals to the smallest plant. He loved coming to Escanaba to be with his cousins and going to ice-cream store or walking to the beach. Josh struggled for a while in his youth but his faith and love for his family, he became the most loving man who never knew a stranger. I miss you Josh but now you are with your Mom and Uncle Earl and your grandparents. Keep trucking and know you were loved so much. Aunt Mary.
Charlotte Henn - Alexander , Ar
He was such a good kid when we first met him.. He became a great friend to Patty, . She became the sister to him and he was her brother. Was great to see them this past summer.. fly high sweetheart.. you have your wings.. we all are going to miss you..
Dale Lundberg - Battle Creek, MI
How many memories did we make Josh? Forever my Ace er Duece brother. Sneaking out, sleep overs, bike rides, hunting, listening to 80s metal, dreaming about our futures. Now that you’re gone, reconnecting in 2016 is the best thing we did. 40+ years of friendship will ever be in my heart. To Joe (and Barb): thanks for letting Josh stay with his grandparents…that made everything we did possible and I’m so sorry for this huge loss.