Support for Family of Josh Mordecai

Josh was in the process of applying for a new life insurance policy but never had the chance to complete the process when he was killed in a car accident on Nov 6, 2019.  We hope through the generosity of others, Josh's family will at least be alleviated of the financial difficulties they would face in the wake of this tragedy. 

The world has lost a great man. Josh Mordecai was great not because of any accolades or wealth he’d amassed, but because he set out to make a difference, and he did. He was passionate about education reform, specifically to facilitate upward mobility for the underprivileged. He was determined to change the world, and for many whose lives he touched, he did. He changed THEIR world.
Josh was an excellent father- patient, loving, understanding, and compassionate- who always made time for his kids. He described his wife as his best friend- she is lost without her beloved husband.

Josh had worked as a delegate for Senator Mike Lee, and had met with Senator Mitt Romney as a propoment of education reform, on the platform of leveling the playing field for the underprivileged, and accommodating students with varying learning styles and abilities.
He also had ambitions to work with Operation Underground Railroad, in hopes of helping to free victims of child human trafficking, and to help bring perpetrators to justice

Josh was an educator and had worked with underprivileged and at-risk kids. He cared deeply for his students, and often it seemed he was the only one who cared when no one else did.

He’d been a bit of a rambunctious kid, himself, so understood “acting out”.  He’d suffered severe depression throughout his life, so he understood despair.  He drew from his own trials and experiences and used them to serve others.

He believed in these kids when others had given up on them, and he made them believe in themselves. Several of these formerly “hopeless” kids had gone on to graduate high school, and even attend and graduate college. Several later contacted Josh to thank him, crediting him with their success and the faith they’d found in themselves- all because he had cared.

Josh would often contact former students just to check in and see how they were doing. He listened. He genuinely loved them.
In 2018, he landed a dream job as principal and program director at a charter school, Athenian Academy, in Ballard, Utah. He immediately set goals to improve the program and curriculum, and within a year and a half (roughly a week and a half before he passed), he proudly announced that they had accomplished them all, giving credit to the teachers.

The next goal for the school was to build a basketball court for the kids. He was an avid and skilled “baller” and in his own experience, he’d seen how team sports like basketball can help build self esteem, discipline, teach teamwork, and create bonds of friendship.  This last goal is presently in the works. Josh was slated to sink the first basket (and would likely have dunked it). Instead, a plaque in his memory will be placed above the hoop.

That school has lost a dedicated and caring program director. 

Many others have lost the best friend they’d ever had. Josh was someone who’d drop everything to help out. He was someone who could be counted on, the first to volunteer to help you move, and the one you could turn to in your darkest hour.  He always went out of his way for others.

There was a little boy in his church ward who thought that Josh was Ant Man  (He did bear a striking resemblance to the actor), so for Halloween, Josh dressed as Ant Man (pictured above) and visited the little boy.

Josh was an activist for change, and had met and worked with several politicians hoping to improve education, and level the playing field. He was a humanitarian and exemplified the precept: “Love one another”.

Josh leaves behind his wife and best friend, Renae, and their four children: Christian, Haley, Annie, and Noelle.  His family was the center of his world and he loved them with his whole soul.

Josh has left behind a legacy of love, dedication, service, and activism. He inspired many, and it is my hope that others will carry on his great legacy.