Josiah Johnson

Josiah Philip Michael Johnson, known to most as Jo, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at his home from a heart attack; he was 43. Jo was born in Pullman, WA in 1981 to Gary and Jill Johnson. The family resided in Potlatch until the couple divorced and Jill moved to Moscow, taking young “Joey” with her. He alternated between Potlatch and Moscow school districts and ultimately graduated from Potlatch High School in 2001.

In 2002, he joined the Army, stationed in Fort Lewis, WA, and served two tours in Iraq as a Combat Engineer. He stayed connected to home through letters to his high school sweetheart, Dallisa, during his five years of active duty. After his decorated honorable discharge, he continued his selfless gift of service through the Idaho Army National Guard until his retirement in 2023. Jo and Dallisa married in 2007, welcomed their son, Payton Lee, in 2009 and daughter, Avalyn Annabelle, in 2013. They lived in Lewiston for 10 years before finding the perfect place to raise their children in Troy, ID in 2017. A man dedicated to service, Josiah, who gave everything to serve his country and his family, was most proud of his children and his military career.

Jo was a skilled tradesman who quickly earned his journeyman electrician license. He was unfailingly kind, always the first to offer help, he would go out of his way to make sure everyone around him was well taken care of.  Incredibly generous, he often sent friends and family home with a gift.

He loved spending time with his children.  He and Payton bonded over exploring the woods, playing video games, and riding four-wheelers, while he and Avalynn enjoyed Minecraft and doing science experiments together, often taking over the family kitchen with their projects. Gentle and attentive, he loved picking his children up from school as they grew older.

Unfortunately, Josiah's battles didn't end when he returned home from active duty. Left with the mental aftermath brought by the atrocities of war, he struggled with PTSD but fought so hard to be the brave, dependable man Dallisa, Payton, and Avalyn loved so much. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and be a strong and loving father. Please take the time to appreciate our veterans as they have sacrificed in so many ways; a simple thank you means so much to them.

Josiah’s legacy will live on in his children, in his wife, and in the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him. His courage and love will never be forgotten.

Jo is survived by his wife, Dallisa (Kreid), Son, Payton (15), daughter, Avalyn (11), Father Gary and step-mother Donna Johnson, Brother Tobias & Hope Johnson, Sisters Kori Smith, and Robin Pelfrey, Step-sisters Natasha Shoemake and Andrea Rupe and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother Jillene (Ivie) Johnson, Sister Shannon Pelfrey and Step-brother Michael Shewman.

A remembrance of Jo’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 11 am at the Deary Community Center. Donations can be made to support the family at the Latah Federal Credit Union, a benefit account has been set up under Dallisa Johnson.

“To each one of our Veterans:

the sacrifices you’ve made are immeasurable, the bravery you’ve shown is incredible, and your commitment to this nation’s freedom is undeniable.

So may the lives you have protected be forever grateful as we say thank you.”