Joshua Starr, age 32, died on Saturday, November 27. He was a man of great brilliance, kindness, and empathy for others. He took his own life, but the cause of death was chronic depression throughout his life. A Murrah High School graduate, Josh earned a degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a writer, a poet, a lover of the natural world in its simplicity and its complexity. His hobby of growing edible mushrooms developed into his business of selling to local restaurants what he grew. Because of his struggles, he developed a remarkably empathetic personality. His life was filled with a kindness that ranged from taking off his own coat on a bitter cold winter day to give to a man standing on the corner in short sleeves to saving a homeless kitten stranded in the middle of North State Street that became his loyal pet. His generosity knew no bounds, and he exhibited it on a daily basis. He was a giver and sharer to his very core. Josh, in short, was a remarkable man: highly educated, articulate, and a voice for those in the community who were voiceless. He had disdain for bullies and was firm and outspoken on his values. He would want portions of his final note to his parents shared with the larger world. They were, “I know nothing I write could help you, my loved ones, bear the finality of my choice to end my life. I am sorry and I hope you can find some solace in the knowledge that I am at peace now. If you loved me, I assure you that I knew and that I loved you as well. Please take care of yourselves and others.” He is survived by his father, Jack Starr, mother, Terry Hunt, brother, Gabe Starr and a host of others who cared deeply about Josh. He would want any contributions made in his memory to go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). You may visit their website at www.afsp.org to donate. Secondly, he would ask that we all be kind to others who are on difficult journeys in this life. Condolences may be emailed to his father, Jack Starr, at star2925@bellsouth.net and to his mother, Terry Hunt, at aug1862@yahoo.com . A memorial service will be planned for a later date