Built His Own Way

John David Wilsford was born August 6, 1971. He passed away at his childhood home, July 25th, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him dearly, tolerated him bravely, and will miss him more than he ever would have admitted out loud.

He was preceded in death by his father, David, who entered heaven, grabbed a recliner with a footrest, and is now saying, “I saved you a spot, but don’t make me get up.”

He was a man whose hands shaped wood, stone, and sand into beauty. He was born with an artist’s eye and a craftsman’s patience. His spirit was shaped by the open air, the lake, and the thrill of the ride.

He loved spending time at the lake, water skiing in his early years and in later years making memories with family and friends. He lived for the freedom of motorcycles and embraced every ride with the same passion he brought to his craft.

He lived life with the stubborn grit of a man powered by equal parts of “know-it-all” confidence, perfectionist precision, short patience, and a quick temper that flared fast, but faded just as quickly. John David wasn’t always easy, but he was always real and that was part of his charm.

John David leaves behind his son, Ty, who inherited his grit and ability to fix absolutely anything except his dad’s patience. He leaves his mother, Sylvia, who knew him best and somehow loved him with all his rough edges. He leaves his sister Melissa Farris and her husband Lee, and his sister Natalie Tanner and her husband Neil. His sisters equally adored, tolerated, and occasionally needed a breather after one of their “discussions”. He leaves his niece, Meredith, and nephew, Lee Willy, who adored him for the fun he brought to their lives. The great nieces and nephews were all smiles and laughter in his presence.

He leaves behind his wife and the love of his life, Tiffani and her daughters, Taylor and Abby. She loved him through every project and every ride. She cared for him through cancer, with patience and love, even when he met her kindness with his trademark stubbornness! He loved being “JG” to their grandkids.

He even leaves behind Diesel, the grand dog, the only family member who never argued with him and always thought he was perfect.

Family and friends will forever remember his signature hand signal--that easy, open-handed “hang loose” gesture that meant love you, we’re good, take it easy, and now means “I’m still here” in memory.

John-David Wilsford

August 06, 1971 - July 25, 2026

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