Michael Junkins, son of Mary Ellen Starlin Junkins, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Junkins was born in Santa Monica on October 28, 1975, and grew up in Malibu. He attended school at Our Lady of Malibu, Loyola High School and Utah State University on a football scholarship. After graduation, he moved to Salt Lake City permanently. He established a successful residential real estate appraisal business, which will now be managed by his brother, Sean.
“Michael’s primary driving force was the love and care of his two sons, Mikey, age eight, and Tyson, age four,” a loved one said. “Michael was best known as a devoted father and family man, as well as a generous and giving friend.”
Junkins is predeceased by his grandparents – longtime Malibu residents Al and Eleanor Starlin – and his aunt Patty Sumner.
A private service celebrating Junkins’ life was held in Utah, along with a gathering of his family, friends and co-workers.
A GoFundMe account has been established to support his dear sons’ college educations. You can make a donation by visiting GoFundMe.com and searching for “Mikey and Tyson’s College Fund.”