South Shore dad who drowned saving 2 kids was a soldier and craftsman. What we know

Brave as a soldier, skilled as a craftsman but proudest as a father and husband.

That is how many will remember Joshua Curtis, according to his obituary.

The 38-year-old Halifax man drowned April 24, while rescuing his young son, Owen, and his niece from a strong riptide in the waters off Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island in Northeastern Florida, where Curtis was visiting his family.

The children survived unharmed. Owen, 6, is the only child of Josh and his wife, Barbara.

Curtis earned several medals for heroism, bravery and skills during his 10 years in the Army as an infantryman, according to his obituary

He was first stationed at Fort Campbell with the 2-502 Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles.

He was soon dropped into combat when he was deployed to Iraq in 2007 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device during that deployment and was awarded the Purple Heart.

In 2010, he was sent to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal with Valor for bravery under fire following one especially perilous mission, his obituary says.

He retired honorably as a sergeant 1st class. In addition to the other medals mentioned, Curtis received a Meritorious Service Medal. He also received air assault, expert infantryman and combat infantry badges, according to his obituary.

Joshua Curtis attended the North Bennett Street School after military retirement

Fresh off a decade of challenges, Curtis put himself to the test again by pursuing a career in carpentry that began with his acceptance to Boston's prestigious and highly competitive North Bennett Street School, where students study crafts from violin making to bookbinding.

Curtis completed training in carpentry, cabinetry, furniture making, and preservation carpentry. He built handcrafted furniture and filled his home with his creations, his obituary says.

He soon added entrepreneur to his growing list of titles when he founded his own business, Curtis and Son Carpentry.

Joshua Curtis: Decorated soldier, husband, dad

Josh met Barbara in Plymouth, and they married in 2014.

They moved to Hawaii for a military assignment and enjoyed outdoor activities like snorkeling and spear fishing, the obituary says.

Owen was born a few years later, the obituary stated.

"Josh was a devoted father who enjoyed fishing, playing video games, and volunteering at Owen’s school," his obituary reads.

He coached baseball and planned to become head football coach for the Silver Lake Mighty Mites.

GoFundMe page created to help Curtis' widow and son

A GoFundMe me account with the stated purpose of "raising funds to help his wife, Barbara, and son, Owen, with funeral costs, living expenses, and future needs as they navigate this devastating loss" is active and has raised more than $50,000 as of mid-afternoon on Monday, May 5.

Visitation and service information for Joshua Curtis

• Calling hours are scheduled to run from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St., Kingston.
• His funeral service begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at Shepherd Funeral Home.

To share thoughts about Curtis or offer condolences to the family, visit his obituary page at Shepherdfuneralhome.com.