Josey Jay Eslick left this earth unexpectedly on June 29th 2021 at his home in Page Arizona. He was born on January 12th 1984 in Salt Lake City Utah to Hattie Swapp and the late Glenn David Eslick. Josey would like to argue that he was actually born in Sandy. Josey was named after the old western movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales” starring Clint Eastwood. This developed his love of all western movies and his ability to quote almost every one once he understood the meaning behind his name. Josey is a light, he had a contagious laugh that would bring joy to everyone around him. Growing up it was more fun and entertaining to watch and listen to him laugh than the actual television show that was playing. It was rare to see him without a smile. Josey grew up with a love of his family, Australia, the 49ers, Western movies, anything cars, camping, his friends, traveling, and animals. Josey loved dogs the most. He had a great love for Balloon Regatta’s, helping in many capacities for over 10 years. He had a deep love for Bruzer and Tigress. They were his babies. Josey was dedicated to family history since he came from a small town and a rich ranching family heritage through the Swapps and Finicums. He loved to travel, be outside and spoke of his 2020 trip to Alaska often with his closest friends and family. Josey also developed a love for surfing and Bojangles chicken after he drove across country with his sister Anisa to Jacksonville North Carolina in 2008. Josey was intelligent beyond belief when it came to mechanics and would teach anyone who would listen to him about mechanics. He was very adamant about people knowing how to take care of their cars without being taken advantage of by corporate shops. Josey was an accomplished welder for over 10 years and had a lot of experience in paint and body work which he shared as he worked for body shops in Page for quite a few years. Josey worked for Page High School from 2019 to 2021 as the automotive teacher. He loved teaching his students and would go the extra mile to make sure they understood what was being taught even through the pandemic and the obstacles that presented themselves. Josey loved his sisters Anisa (Kris) Kaiser, Glenda (Brian) Davis and his brother Judd Eslick deeply and would do anything to take care of his mom who has struggled with physical health since her major surgery in 2019. Josey was there for her immediately after her house caught fire in October 2020 with a willingness to help clean up as much as possible. Josey had another sister named Jeannie whom he never got to meet in person. Josey also had a step father Dave Hicks and 3 step siblings Jeff, Daniel, and Dyan that spent a year living in Fredonia with us when we were children. Josey enjoyed going four wheeling and visiting the grand canyon with Dave and his kids. He had many friends including his childhood friend Scott (Rebecca) Tappan who was like another brother to him. Josey considered Paula and Andy Tappan to be his other set of parents. Josey gained many loyal friendships and relationships including Gracie Graver, who has been like family for over 20 years. Josey has 9 nephews and nieces and 2 great nieces and 1 great nephew that we know of. Harley, his first nephew looked up to Josey in many ways and looked forward to a summer trip to Lake Powell to spend with uncle Josey. He had special bonds with Temri, Kaylob, and Saydee. Temri would recieve art stuff from uncle Josey every Christmas that he was able to give. Kaylob and Saydee would be jazzed up in PJ’S every year on Christmas courtesy of uncle Josey. Josey has 3 aunts, Annette Brown of Truth or Consequences New Mexico, Jan Dixon and Chyrel Swapp of Kanab Utah. Josey was brave, talented, strong, and caring in many ways. He passed with life goals in mind and a loyal love for his friends and family. Josey wanted to be the best man that he could be for himself, for his dad’s memory, for his mom, his sisters, his brothers, his nephews, and his nieces. The world is a lot darker with him gone. Josey is preceded in death by his dad Glenn, his dog Bruzer, grandma RuAnna Swapp, grandpa Mark Swapp, grandpa Ed Swapp, grandma Adeline Eslick, grandpa Ray Eslick, uncle Bain Swapp, aunt Jesalyn Swapp, uncle Clyne Broderick, aunt Zina Broderick Swapp, and some good friends.

The Memorial and interment of ashes for Josey has been postponed until his mother can attend. There is no time set for that right now. Please call Mosdell Mortuary at 435-644-2214 for further information. We will post date and times when they become available.