Joshua A. Barbour, a resident of Oswego County, NY, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2026 at the young age of 36. Josh was born on October 23, 1989 in Lynchburg, Virginia and graduated from Jefferson Forest High School in 2008 and graduated from ECPI University with a BS in Web Development in 2011.

Josh was the kind of person who quietly made the world a safer and kinder place. Known to many as “Uber Josh,” he became a familiar and trusted presence in the Oswego community, always willing to give someone a ride home and make sure they arrived safely. He had a natural way of knowing exactly how to brighten someone’s day, whether it was through his quick humor, an easy laugh, or simply showing up when someone needed him the most. While he worked his typical 9 – 5 full time job, his true passion was looking out for others, especially the students and friends in the community he cared so deeply about.

Josh found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. He loved hiking the trails, particularly waterfall hikes, kayaking on the water, and watching the sunset over the Oswego River. He had also volunteered his time learning to sail, helping restore and launch a J24 keelboat and proudly participating in his first regatta with the Oswego Yacht Club, where they finished second overall. The following year, he continued exploring new interests by getting into boating with his 1989 Stingray and spending more time out on the water.

Music was something that brought him joy. He loved listening and singing along and sharing songs with the people around him; he loved going to country and folk music festivals. Josh loved staying active at the gym and spending time in the kitchen, where he took pride in cooking and making his meals look as good as they tasted. At home, his cat Houdini was his constant companion.

He is survived by his loving family, including his mother Linda Smith Barbour of Forest, VA, his sisters Ann Barbour Iniguez of Richmond, VA and Leslie Barbour of Rustburg, VA, and his niece and nephew Yesenia and Valentin Iniguez of Richmond, VA, multiple cousins, and members of the Oswego community whose lives that he touched and who also touched his life in a special way. He was preceded in death by his father Roger Barbour.

Josh’s kindness and the countless safe rides that he gave over the years will not be forgotten. His legacy lives on in every act of looking out for one another.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Tharp Funeral Home located at 320 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA. A Celebration of Life will then follow at 2:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Dooley officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford.

A Vigil will be held by the Oswego community in Oswego, NY on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the site of the accident at the end of West Seneca Street near the river front. A Celebration of Life will be held at WhackoGringo in Oswego, NY on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

In honor of Josh, those who knew him are encouraged to take care of one another and always make sure their friends get home safely.

Memorials may be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.