Joseph Nicholas Potts

Joseph (Joey, Joe) Nicholas Potts, husband, father, son, brother, doting uncle, age 34, of Taylorsville, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2023. 

Joseph was born on February 22, 1989 in Fairfield, California. Daniel and Patricia Potts adopted him at age 5.  He was the youngest of 5 siblings.  Joseph was very involved in the Boy Scouts earning his Eagle rank and 5 Eagle Palms by age 14. Joseph elected to build shelves for the Christmas Box International because he wanted to do something that would help other kids in the adoption/foster care system.

Joseph attended Murray High School from 2004-2007, where he played football and wrestled for the Murray Spartans.  He also enjoyed swing dancing. After Murray High, Joseph completed high school at Job Corps and became a certified welder, a skill that he used throughout his life.

After successfully completing Job Corp, Joseph joined the United States Army and was subsequently deployed to Afghanistan where he served his country faithfully as a 13B Cannon Crew member. He was injured as the result of an IED explosion while on patrol in a military Humvee.  He received the following citations and campaign ribbons: (1) Afghanistan campaign medal with campaign star, (2) National defense service medal, (3) Global war on terrorism service medal, (4) Army service ribbon and (5) Combat action badge.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Joseph entered the elevator constructor apprentice program and became a member of IUEC Local 38.  He completed his apprentice program and was elevated to Mechanic (Journeyman level) in the trade. He worked for three major elevator companies including Otis, ThyssenKrupp and Kone during his 10-year career.   

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Joseph was very talented and gifted in many areas.  He was an accomplished artisan using many medium including metal, plastic and paper.  He was very adept at auto and motorcycle mechanics.  He loved motorcycles and rode them often on short, medium and long distance rides including to Sturgis, South Dakota.  He subscribed to the motorcycle motto of “Go Fast, Don’t Die” which portrays the way he tried to live his life.  He loved the outdoors and greatly enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Joseph loved to cook and had many favorite dishes he expertly prepared for gatherings.  Joseph also loved animals of all kinds including dogs, lizards, snakes, sugar gliders, hedgehogs and exotic birds.  Indeed, it has been said that his house was like a zoo.  He was an accomplished gamer and loved devouring books, especially fantasy and science fiction. He was very much “into” Comic-Con and FanX and even participated as a vendor.  He loved action, animated and fantasy-themed movies and books.  He was an expert in survival techniques and being prepared for disasters of all varieties. He loved our country and the flag and everything it stood for. He was proud of his service in the army and of the sacrifices he made to keep his home and loved ones safe.

Joseph loved to be with people.  He enjoyed conversations on nearly any topic, and his love of family, friends and strangers was quickly evident.  He was often the “life of the party”. He could find common ground with nearly anyone.  He spoiled his nieces and nephews horribly at Christmas and birthdays.

In 2022, Joseph met Bekah Bradshaw, the love of his life. His soulmate. Bekah, and her two children Lizzie and David, quickly and easily became a part of Joseph’s family. Bekah and Joseph married on June 25, 2023, and their baby Althea Rose Potts entered their lives shortly thereafter.  Joseph adored his sweet new daughter and enjoyed cuddling with her.  He loved his time with Bekah, Lizzie, David, and Althea.

Joseph would be the first to admit that he had “his demons”.  He wasn’t perfect and made choices that to others were real “head-shakers”.  In spite of this, he had a positive impact in the lives of the people he touched, which were many.  We were all blessed to know him.

Joseph was predeceased by his grandparents, his Aunt Althea Potts, his uncle Richard Potts, and his nephew Linkin Hamilton.  He is survived by wife Bekah Bradshaw Potts, daughter Althea Rose Potts, stepchildren Elizabeth and David Johnson.  He is also survived by his parents Daniel and Patricia Potts, sisters Cynthia Norton (Colby), Heidi Hamilton (Jason), Tiffany Checketts (Adam), Trisha Simon (Darrin), mother-in-law Beverly Wyatt (Dave), father-in-law Shawn Bradshaw (Denise), sisters-in-law Sarah Caudill and Cassandra Bradshaw, brother-in-law Jay Bradshaw and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by biological parents Virginia Portune and Jose’ Villa, biological siblings Robert Portune, Tiffany Sullivan and Gabriella Steer.

A funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, Utah. A viewing will be held prior at 11:00 AM and interment will follow immediately after funeral service. As internet is not available at the cemetery’s chapel, the funeral service will be recorded and posted to YouTube following the service.

In leui of flowers, please consider making a donation to Joseph's family.