Joshua Paul Wagner

With the deepest sorrow we announce that Josh P. Wagner (J. Jaramillo) a beloved husband, father, son, brother, family member and friend passed away August 6, 2022. Those who knew Josh, just a little, lost a shining light in their lives.

Josh was born in Moore, Oklahoma. He lived in the Oklahoma City area and Tulsa, Oklahoma before moving to Benton, AR with his parents, Dr. Taylor D. Wagner and mother Jeannie M. Wagner.  In Benton he attended Our Lady of Fatima as a student and was the proud winner of the spelling bee.  He also began his love for the game of basketball and soon started to excel in the sport he loved so much. While playing basketball for the Stuttgart Ricebirds in Jr. High with 2 seconds on the clock he would shoot the almost full court shot to win the Conference Championship. Josh was an excellent two guard and played the remaining years of his high school career at Harmony Grove High School in Benton, AR where he would also graduate. He was selected Saline All County top five in basketball his senior year. He loved his high school days and the Cardinal family.

Josh attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was an avid Razorback Football and Basketball fan. As his mother, I am sure there are many exploits that I was spared from knowing about but thankfully he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. The friends he made in college were many and they have sustained us during this heartbreaking time. The stories are many and the love felt for Josh by those he befriended has deeply touched his family.

Josh's pursuit of a career in banking resulted in management positions at Regions Bank in the Little Rock area and in Panama City, Florida.  He met and exceeded the goals set for him at Regions which resulted in many awards for excellence. He won the Chairman’s Club Award. Arkansas Life Top Mortgage Partner, B. Finley Vinson Salesperson of the Year, Annuity Champions of Excellence Award to name just a few. In the last month of his life, he would be the Top Producer in Mortgage for Arvest Bank. Josh also served as Executive Producer for the short film, The Orderly. He made many friends in his professional career. They included not only his coworkers but also the customers and clients he interacted with.

Josh met his wife, Laura at Regions bank where they developed a friendship and fell in love.  The love he and Laura shared survived the many travails that relationships are faced with and they persevered. Wyatt's birth solidified their bond and they were in the happiest days either had ever known.  Their world was filled with love for each other their precious little baby boy and the future had never seemed brighter than it was on the day Josh had his heart attack. If only.... If the measure of a man is in how many people you have helped in one's lifetime then Josh is much taller than 6' 3".  He met you where you were. No need was too small or large. If he could make it happen, he would. His heart was deep and wide and if he met you, chances are, you were tucked inside.

Heavenly Father, be with Josh's soul and may he rest in eternal peace. Amen

Josh is survived by the love of his life, Laura and son Wyatt. His mother Jeannie M. Wagner, brothers: Justin, Eric and Jason Wagner and Cedric Nash. Maternal Aunt Patti Gunckel Estes, and Uncle Howard D. Owens Jr. He is also survived by Dad, Paul E. Jaramillo (paternal siblings:  Alison, Chris, Amanda, and Kaitlyn) and paternal grandmother Rose Martinez.  Paternal Aunt's Tina, Nancy, Barbara and Teresa and paternal Uncle Mike Jaramillo.  Maternal cousins Summer Nuckolls and Grayson Estes and many paternal cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Dr. Taylor D. Wagner, maternal grandmother Patricia Summers, and grandfathers, Duncan Gilmore and Howard D. Owens Sr.

Visitation is 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Funeral is 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at First United Methodist, North Little Rock.

Pallbearers include:  Daniel Campbell, Dustin Chastain, Steven Ford, Shawn Frederking, Brent Lawlis, Howard Owens, Jr., Jason Thompson, Jason Wagner, Justin Wagner, and Mike Wallace.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--