John Jeffrey (Jeff) Lunsford, a Frankfort, Ky. native and a longtime resident of Malibu, died Friday, August 30, 2019, at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from complications following a long illness.
Jeff was a Marine and served his country in the Vietnam War. Afterward, he traveled extensively before settling down in Malibu. Using exotic woods for construction and repair of musical instruments, Jeff built a highly respected reputation for his rough and fine carpentry skills, building some of the finest guitars, unique interior molding and staircases, and beautiful furniture.
Also known as “Brother Earth” to family and friends in Frankfort, Jeff will be remembered for his love of all things funny, his great laugh and beautiful smile. He had a lifelong love and respect for nature, be it land or water. Jeff was a magnificent swimmer and an awesome surfer and was known as one of the last longboard surfers in Malibu. He loved and studied the martial arts, becoming proficient in kickboxing and Yoshukai Karate. Jeff truly was the dog whisperer. The testament comes from his own son, who said, “All I know is, he taught me to understand dogs damn near better than people. I ran around with the dogs more than my friends when I was little.” Jeff was committed to his family and was a true and loyal friend to others. He will be sadly missed, a loved one shared.
Jeff is survived by a son, Calvin Lunsford of Ben Lomond, Calif.; two sisters, Janice Lunsford and Jennifer (Bill) Burger; a brother, Jerry Lunsford; all of Frankfort, Ky. as well as nine nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Harold L. and Betty J. Lunsford, a sister, Jeannine (BJ) Norman and nephew Glenn A. Burger.
A wake will be held in Jeff’s honor on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. PST. Family and friends are invited. Please meet at the entrance of Rodeo Grounds off Topanga Canyon Boulevard for a full day of storytelling and memory sharing in Jeff’s honor. Bring pictures!
His final resting place will be in Frankfort.