Joshua Keith Sapp, 37, son of Mary Kathleen “Kitty” Sapp and brother of Angela “Angie” Marie Sapp, lost his battle with mental illness and drug addiction on Saturday, June 11, 2016.
Joshua was born August 12, 1978 in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and was a graduate of South Harrison High School, Lost Creek, WV.
Joshua loved and lived for his music. In high school he was a member of the band “Screw Worm”, which became well known in the area. After high school Joshua moved to Portland, Oregon, where he lived until August 2015. While In Oregon he was a member of the Breakcore group the H8R's and he eventually went on to co-run a DIY Breakcore/Dubstep record label, working to give independent artists a chance to be heard. Josh was an active member of the underground electronic music scene in Portland, producing shows and feverishly promoting his fellow artists. In his own words he was "a true believer of crushing dance floors with furious beats and heavy bass". His collaborations, silliness and enthusiasm will be deeply missed. Also while in Oregon, he attended a school for the Culinary Arts and loved cooking for his friends and family. He also enjoyed working out and rock climbing, until his drug addiction slowly started taking over his life.
Joshua’s favorite artist had to be Daniel Johnston, who struggled with similar mental health issues; he was able to identify with him and found much comfort in his music.
In addition to his love for music Joshua also loved movies, which he enjoyed watching with his mother. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, but mostly he loved making music with his friends and spending time with his family.
Because of his mental health issues and his struggles with drug addiction he returned to WV to be close to his mother and his dear friends from high school. We all tried very hard to help Joshua with his struggle but in the end the drugs took our precious Joshua from us. Josh was a beautiful soul with a zest for life and much love to give. His soul is now free from the burdens and heartaches of this life and is soaring free, hopefully in the arms of his loved ones that have gone before him, but if not we know he is in a better place and no longer feeling the pain and torture that seemed to burden him in his earthly life. He will be greatly missed by his mother and sister, and those that were close to him. We will hold him close in our hearts forever.
In addition to his mother and sister, Joshua is survived by his father, Sherman Sapp, Morgantown; half-brother Travis Sapp, Fairmont; maternal grandparents, John & Romona Boore, FL; and several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Joshua will be cremated and his ashes scattered at a later date.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.burnsidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made to the family for Joshua C/O Mary Sapp, 119 Willis Avenue, Bridgeport WV 26330.
Family and friends will be received at the Benedum Civic Center, 164 W. Main Street, Bridgeport for a Memorial Gathering on Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 pm.