England Family Mortuary

A Legacy of Compassion: The Story of England Family Mortuary

Eighteen years ago, England Family Mortuary was just an idea—a dream sparked by necessity and nurtured by dedication. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of its community, offering not just funeral services but a guiding hand through life's most difficult moments. But getting here was no simple journey. It’s a story of humble beginnings, unexpected turns, and unwavering commitment.

The Early Days: A Calling Found

Josh, now at the heart of the mortuary’s operations, never planned on working in the funeral industry. His father, a full-time pastor, was involved with a mortuary in Long Beach, California, that often assisted their church. The funeral home needed extra hands, and Josh—like many young adults looking for work—found himself volunteering. What started as a simple favor soon became a passion.

“They trained me from the ground up,” Josh recalls. “I started by helping with services, visitations, and viewings, mostly at night while I was in college. On weekends, I worked full days, handling services while also coaching high school sports.”

Josh quickly realized that the funeral business wasn’t just about logistics—it was about people. He found fulfillment in guiding grieving families through their hardest days, offering comfort and a sense of stability. When the funeral home manager left, Josh stepped in temporarily, gaining invaluable experience. Eventually, he followed that manager to another funeral home, where he continued to grow in the profession.

Building England Family Mortuary

As Josh gained experience, his father saw an opportunity. With a deep understanding of pastoral care and a firsthand look at the funeral industry, he decided to open a mortuary of his own. It was a bold move. Funeral homes aren’t easy businesses to start—there are regulations, community trust to build, and the sheer emotional weight of the work.

“When we started, we had to figure out everything—where to set up, how to get licensed, how to gain the trust of families,” Josh explains. “It was a learning curve, but we knew we wanted to do things differently. We wanted to bring a personal touch to an industry that can sometimes feel very transactional.”

The early years were tough. Running a funeral home isn’t just about arranging services; it’s about being on call 24/7. There were long nights, last-minute arrangements, and the emotional toll of constantly being surrounded by grief. But they kept going, driven by the belief that they were offering something truly valuable.

Challenges and Triumphs

One of the biggest struggles was breaking into the community. Unlike other businesses, people don’t just “shop around” for funeral homes in the way they do for other services. Trust is built over time, often by word-of-mouth. England Family Mortuary had to prove itself.

“There were moments we weren’t sure we’d make it,” Josh admits. “But then a family would come in, and they’d tell us how much it meant to them that we were there—that we listened, that we cared. And that kept us going.”

Slowly, the mortuary built its reputation. Families appreciated the personal approach, the genuine care, and the willingness to go above and beyond. As word spread, the business grew.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic—a challenge no one could have prepared for. The funeral industry was hit hard, with services disrupted, restrictions in place, and an overwhelming number of grieving families. England Family Mortuary had to adapt quickly, finding ways to honor loved ones while navigating unprecedented limitations.

“It was exhausting, emotionally and physically,” Josh says. “But it reinforced why we do this. People needed us more than ever. We had to get creative, offering livestreamed services, smaller gatherings, and alternative ways for families to say goodbye.”

A Legacy in the Making

Now, nearly two decades since its founding, England Family Mortuary is more than just a funeral home—it’s a trusted part of the community. Josh and his team have helped thousands of families through some of their most painful moments, always with the same dedication and care that started it all.

“It’s not just a business,” Josh reflects. “It’s a calling. We’re here to serve, to guide, and to help people heal. And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

Looking to the future, the mortuary continues to evolve, embracing new ways to support families while staying true to its roots. The journey hasn’t been easy, but for Josh and his team, every challenge has been worth it.

From a part-time job in college to a lifelong commitment, Josh’s story—and the story of England Family Mortuary—is one of perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the importance of serving others. And that’s a legacy that will last far beyond any single service.