Joshua Richard Smith

Joshua Richard Smith, age 36, of Rockport, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024. He was born on May 30, 1987, in Naples, Florida to Jennifer Smith. Josh’s father, Paul Michael Niebur came into his life at age 9, and a special bond was born. Josh found his lifelong love in Kasey Pruett, whom he married on August 10, 2013, in San Antonio, TX. 

Josh's journey began in Naples, but at age 4, he and his mother, moved back to Pike County to be closer to family. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 2005 and pursued his passion for computers, eventually earning a degree in computer science. His love for technology started early, as he was a member of an elite gaming team and developed many online websites and e-commerce opportunities for himself and other local businesses, all before graduating high school. 

In 2015, Josh and his family moved to Austin, TX, where he delved into sales. He quickly became a beloved leader and a pillar of strength in the IT business community. Throughout his illustrious career, Josh held many esteemed roles for which he was recognized and received a number of prestigious awards. His dedication to his work and his team was unparalleled, and he was known for his exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen. Josh's legacy is not only marked by his professional accomplishments but also by the profound impact he had on those he worked with. He cared deeply for his team members, earning their respect through his unwavering commitment to their growth and success. In his untimely departure, the IT business community has lost a true leader, mentor, and friend. Josh will be remembered for his remarkable execution, delivery, and the lasting impression he left on all who had the privilege of working with him.

Josh’s greatest pride was his wife and children. He loved making memories through travel and creating special life experiences with them. Josh and Kasey shared a deep love for music and comedy and attended numerous shows and festivals over the years. Josh’s love for cooking brought joy to countless gatherings with friends and family. Josh found solace spending time in the duck blind. He spent countless hours hunting with his 3 children Kason, Jude and Perry, brother Nick, cousins Jeff and Cole, and his ‘brother from another mother’, Dan Ivancho. These shared experiences strengthened their bonds and created memories that will endure for generations. Josh also had a special bond with his Belgian Malinois, “Roo”. Josh was truly a jack of all trades and lived an extraordinary life. He will be deeply missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.  

Josh is survived by his wife, Kasey Smith of Rockport, IL; children, Kason Philip Sutton-Smith, Jude Michael Smith, and Perry Noelle Smith; mother, Jennifer Niebur of Pittsfield, IL; brother, P. Nicholas Niebur of Pittsfield, IL; grandmother, Marilyn Smith; father-in-law, Bobby (Charla) Pruett of Momence, IL; mother-in-law, Lisa Bradshaw of Pittsfield, IL; sister-in-law, Rashelle Pruett; nieces, Ayla Donovan and Katherine Craft; grandparents-in-law, Philip and Linda Bradshaw; and several aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Mike 'Digger' Niebur; grandparents, Nick Smith and Paul and Leoline Niebur; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with interment to follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to be made to Kasey Smith for their children’s education. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. 

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