Joshua Anderson had always been drawn to helping others, Lynn Anderson said Friday.

She said that's what led her son, who grew up in Jordan, to join the Army, where he became a combat medic.

"He was always loving and caring and he had a quick smile and helping hand," she said. "He'd give you the shirt off his back."

The 24-year-old Army private first class died in Iraq on Wednesday after a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle, the Department of Defense said. He left for Iraq just two months ago.

He is the 68th person with strong ties to Minnesota to have died in connection with the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is believed to be the fifth Scott County native to die as a result of the conflict.

Anderson, his wife, Hannah, and their 3-year-old daughter lived near Fort Stewart, Ga. The couple had marked their fourth anniversary in December, Lynn Anderson said.

"He loved life, he had a lot of friends, he loved his family and he was always joking around," a tearful Lynn Anderson said.

He graduated from Jordan High School in 2002 and joined the Army in 2006. He was the youngest of Lynn and Keven Anderson's three children.

Norma Timmons, of Carver, was Anderson's ninth-grade English teacher.

"He was a very nice young man," Timmons said. "The thing that keeps coming to mind is his cute little grin."

Timmons said she heard about Anderson's death at the school on Friday. She's taught at Jordan High since 1978, and she said Anderson stood out in her memory because he was always helpful and worked hard.

"It's a terrible loss," she said.

Lynn Anderson said her son's cheerful demeanor was contagious and not easily forgotten.

"It's hard to believe he's gone," his mother said. "He was doing something he was proud of, and we were proud of him, too. It's like my heart has been ripped out of my chest."

Patrice Relerford • 612-673-4395

MINNESOTANS LOST TO IRAQ WAR

To see photos and information about other Minnesota soldiers, visit www.startribune.com/projects/11577681.html.