Joshua David Miko

Joshua David Miko was born on December 26, 2003 and was called back to heaven at the age of 17 on January 9, 2021.  He died doing what he loved - camping.  Josh is the son of David and Janice Miko and was born and raised in Los Alamos. Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Joseph Miko; maternal grandparents, Charles and Barbara Heise; and uncle, Richard Heise. He is survived by his parents; sister, Rebecca Miko; grandmother, Dolores Miko; and many other relatives and friends.

Josh was very active in the community, being a long-standing member of scouting starting as a Cub Scout in Pack 22 and progressing on to a Boy Scout in Troop 22. One reason that Josh chose Troop 22 was because of the Troop’s history with the Los Alamos Ranch School, which predated the World War II Manhattan Project and the town of Los Alamos itself. Troop 22 is one of the oldest boy scout troops in the country and was the first Mounted Troop. The troop celebrated its centennial in 2018 and Josh was proud to have been chosen to be the Senior Patrol Leader during this historic time. In preparation for the centennial celebration, Josh was instrumental in re-establishing the historic Troop 22 Mounted Patrol. 

Josh was recently elected again by his peers to the role of Senior Patrol Leader for his troop. In characteristic Josh style, he volunteered to be on the ballot, despite not originally planning to run, saying that he would do it because it is not democratic if there is only one candidate. He was surprised to have been elected, telling his mom, “I didn’t even vote for myself!”

As a Life Scout, Josh had been working towards Eagle Scout rank and was developing plans for his Eagle Scout project to be completed in the coming summer. He had been working with the Los Alamos Historical Society on options for this project. 

Josh was a junior at Los Alamos High School and had been active in the Navy Junior ROTC program. As an ROTC cadet, Josh volunteered for many community events. He was especially proud to participate in color guard ceremonies and was considering a career in the Navy.  In addition to ROTC, Josh sang in the school choir and also was a member of his church’s youth choir.  He loved camping and hiking and also taught himself to do leather working. He took pleasure in crafting a variety of handmade items for friends and family.

Josh was a natural historian and became a docent with the Los Alamos Historical Society sharing his knowledge and love of Los Alamos history with visitors.  He particularly enjoyed telling the story of the Romero Cabin, an original cabin from the homestead era currently located next to Fuller Lodge.

Community service was the essence of who Josh was. He was always a willing and selfless volunteer for Scouts, ROTC, the Historical Society, and other community organizations. Josh was a sensitive, gentle soul and he greatly loved and enjoyed the family pets, especially Journey and Boots. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

There will be a visitation for Josh on Monday, January 18, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Hall from 4 – 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. in the main church.  A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at the church on Tuesday, January 19, with burial immediately following at Guaje Pines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials of remembrance for Josh can be made to the Los Alamos Historical Society to be used for projects that will benefit the community.  A check may be sent to LA Historical Society, P.O. Box 43, Los Alamos, NM 87544 and note, “In Memory of Josh Miko,” on the memo line.  An on-line donation opportunity is also available at www.losalamoshistory.org using the “Donate to Josh Miko Fund” button below the tribute story for Josh on the site.