Joshua Dean Imel was most at home with a bass guitar, artist's paint brush or music composition notebook in his hands.  On Sunday mornings nothing was better than sitting with his wife and dog in over-sized arm chairs, talking and watching cardinals feast from a bird feeder.  Joshua was multi-talented and didn't brag about it. 

Joshua Dean Imel, 53, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021, at his home in Exton, PA.

Born in Livermore, CA, Joshua was the son of Leslie and Janet (Garrison) Imel, Arroyo Grande, CA.  He was the beloved husband of Traci (Wilhelm) Imel.  The couple had been together since 2007 and married in 2013. 

In addition to his wife and parents, Joshua is survived by his children: Jessica Ashley Imel of Chapel Hill, NC, and Joshua Jacob Lewis Imel of Casper, WY; sisters: Molly Jean Imel, Kristy Lynn Imel Esq., wife of Jared R. Waits; Nephew: Holden Dale Waits, all of Arroyo Grande, CA.

For first and second grade, Josh attended The American School in Japan, Tokyo, Japan.  He graduated from Redwood Christian High School in San Leandro, CA.  He attended Westmont College, Montecito, CA, on a music scholarship and graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A.  A true jack of all trades, he held careers in landscape design, water system/architecture, and owned his own landscaping business.  Josh ultimately found his true north at the innovative Trader Joe's as an artist.  Talented describes this true renaissance man.  His family is grateful that his music and painting will live on.  Everyone looked forward to his handmade birthday cards.  His words and handwriting were uniquely bold and comforting.  He created the kind of cards you keep.

His children, Jessica and Jacob, were the loves of his life.  His art lives on through Jessica, and his athletic ability and drive live on through Jacob.  Josh played soccer, competed in cycling, and loved to swim and hike around his favorite places in Lake Tahoe, CA. 

His wife Traci was his true companion and his world.  He was dedicated to her beyond words. 

They treasured their weekends to unplug and be together with their dog, Reese.  Traci and Josh were best friends.

Josh spoke to his parents every week, and loved to laugh and talk art, politics, music and family.  One of Josh's favorite childhood adventures was taking a trailer-load of bushes, trees or furniture to the local dump.  Standing on the front seat, with his arm around his Dad, was a great memory.  A self-deprecating humorist, his family loved to remind him about a velvet tux with ruffles he wore for a senior picture.  He was named best dressed in high school, wearing a "Rush" t-shirt 24/7 and vintage clothes.  The running joke in the family was that Josh was Mom's favorite and could do no wrong.  He was a favorite to all of us.

He could fix anything and everything around the house.  His creations were beautiful and thought provoking.  He was a carver of gorgeous pumpkins, a Christmas light-show wizard, the pancake maker of the family, an avid cook and always shared recipes with his mom.  He showed his love through food.

Josh was an intuitive and talented musician.  He played the double bass in the Oakland Youth Symphony and performed with many bands throughout his life.  He was a founding member of "Not Now Lilly," a Philadelphia area rock band.  He played keyboards, was an aficionado on bass and was one of the band's lead singers.

As a master of the bass guitar he had an unmistakable signature style, and could make beautiful music with any instrument he chose to.  He was an inventive composer and songwriter, and pursued these passions in a lifelong collaboration with his best friend Christopher Kinzel of Overland Park, KS, creating and releasing music as "Thus, Ikarus."  Josh and Christopher's music is available on iTunes and Spotify.

His family and friends are devastated by the loss of this humble, gentle, gifted soul.  He was the best son, best big brother, best dad, best brother-in-law, a hero as an uncle and an amazingly devoted husband.  He was a musician's musician, an artist's artist, and a true friend.

There is comfort that we will see him again.  For now, his music, his painting, Maker's Mark, sci-fi movies, his favorite book ("Atlas Shrugged"), a big Tom Brady fan, always wearing a Boston Red Sox cap, Kuhl clothing, and his love for coffee will help all of us get through this together.

Services will be conducted privately at the convenience of the family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Tahoe, CA.

Memorial contributions in Joshua's name may be made to: Musicians Foundation (www.musiciansfoundation.org).

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Please leave your favorite and fun memory of Josh for us all to remember him.