Joshua James Ahrns passed away in the early afternoon of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family, beloved fiancée, and dear friend. He was 37 years old.

Josh was born and raised in Centerville, Ohio. His early years were spent playing basketball,, exploring local parks, and developing a love of sneakers. He cultivated his lifelong dedication to faith at the Church of the Incarnation and at Archbishop Alter High School.

Josh attended Miami University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. In addition to sharpening his marketing acumen, he gained a deep bench of friends and core memories. He maintained incredibly close relationships with friend groups from each stage of life, a testament to his endearing and outgoing spirit. His smile lit up each room, his laugh contagious to all around him.

Professionally, Josh applied his natural charisma and creativity as an Account Manager at marketing and branding agencies, most recently Origo Branding in Columbus. A thoughtful writer with more to say and share than his time allowed, he had a way with words that went beyond his love of puns or penning the perfect Instagram caption. He captured his lifelong love of nature through many carefully crafted photographs, all of which evoke a deep sense of wonder about the world around us.

Josh sustained a passion for sports, both watching and playing. He loved to be perpetually disappointed by the Cleveland Browns and was always up to speed on the latest NBA happenings. He deeply admired Kobe Bryant and his "Mamba Mentality." He continued to play basketball as he got older, the 'Old Man Basketball League' in Dayton and pick-up games with friends as highlights.

While the last three years of his life were plagued with the constant challenges that come with a cruel cancer diagnosis, Josh tackled each day with strength, grace, and an appreciation of life. He took many trips to visit friends, attend weddings, and enjoy the beach, where he proposed to Vanessa in October 2023. She tirelessly stayed by his side, her devotion and their love no doubt extending his time.

Josh leaves behind a memory of brightness, friendship, and fun in everything and everyone he touched. Feel it as the wind blows through the trees on a hike. Hear it in the country music he cherished, particularly Eric Church, who he was thrilled to have met this past May. Witness it in the relationships of those he held dear. And celebrate it in laughing as you always laughed at the jokes and memories you shared together.

Josh is survived by his beloved fiancée Vanessa McCullough, loving parents James and Debra Ahrns, sister Julia (Brandon) Blackford, brother Joel (JD), nephew Cody; grandmothers Jeanne Kuenning and Jeannette Wellman, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends who will dearly remember him.

Josh is predeceased by grandfathers James R. Ahrns and Elmer E. Wellman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Church of the Incarnation (55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville, Ohio 45459).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shoes 4 the Shoeless (shoes4theshoeless.org) or the Gastric Cancer Foundation (gastriccancer.org).

… Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.westbrockfuneralhome.com.