CWO3, Captain Thomas "Jeff" Gunn, 72, "crossed the bar" on November 13, 2025, in La Quinta, California. A lifelong mariner, devoted family man, and beloved mentor, Jeff’s life was defined by service—to his country, to his community, and to the countless individuals he guided with wisdom and heart.
Born on March 23, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeff grew up in Burlington, New Jersey. He graduated from Burlington City High School and went on to attend Burlington County Community College. In 1971, he answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard embodying the very spirit of Semper Paratus—Always Ready. Over the next 31 years, Jeff built a distinguished military career that spanned shipboard duties and coastal rescue operations. He spent nine years aboard ship as Deck Department Supervisor and Deck Watch Officer and twelve years at small coastal rescue boat stations, operating vessels under all weather conditions. He retired in 2002 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (Boatswain), having earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of those whose lives he helped protect.
Jeff's dedication to maritime safety did not end with his military retirement. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter of service. As a K38 Rescue Trainer and instructor for personal watercraft rescue training, he became a beacon of knowledge for first responders and mariners alike. He taught STCW 95 Basic Safety Training at El Camino College and served as an instructor with Marine Rescue Consultants, focusing on shipboard safety and boat operations. Through his work with the California Department of Boating and Waterways, he trained marine patrol officers across the state.
His commitment to education extended further still—he was an adjunct professor at American River College, contributing to POST training programs throughout California. Jeff served on the National Safe Boating Council’s Training and Education Committee as a Master Instructor Trainer. Beginning in 2004, he joined the Maritime Institute as an instructor.
Jeff captained numerous private yachts over the years and served for nearly two decades as a captain for FantaSea Yachts. His expertise led him to judge international search-and-rescue competitions in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and to provide tailored onboard training for over fifty yacht owners and their crews.
In recognition of his many contributions to boating safety and education, Jeff was awarded a Letter of Commendation by the National Water Safety Congress in 2006.
He held affiliations with numerous organizations that reflected his deep connection to maritime culture and environmental stewardship: California Boating Safety Officers Association; United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; National Safe Boating Council; United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association; Colorado River Boating Safety Task Force; Surfrider Foundation; and the United States Lighthouse Society.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff was known for his vibrant personality—a tall but gentle giant with a quick wit and an endless supply of grandpa jokes. He never met a stranger and everyone who crossed his path became a friend. His humility and compassion had a calming effect on others. Everyone felt safe and knew that they were in good hands around him. A passionate surfer with a love for travel and teaching, Jeff lived by the motto: “You must grow old, but you don’t have to grow up.” To him, this meant staying curious, kind-hearted, and true to oneself.
Semi-retired, Jeff and his wife, Ruthie, moved to the California desert where they built a new community. He discovered the tranquility of the Santa Rosa Mountains, pickle ball and also re-discovered his talent as a musician and for only a brief period, he became the drummer for the HighRoads Band in La Quinta, CA.
Jeff leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward his legacy: his wife Ruthie Marlenée Gunn; son Joshua Gunn and daughter-in-law Harumi; daughter Allison Hemphill and son-in-law Daniel Hemphill; stepdaughters Joy and Alexandra; son-in-law Daniel Dawson; ten grandchildren who adored him: Olivia, Lucas, Lily, Deacon, Leila, Able, Esperanza, Kalito, Ronan, and Vada; brothers Craig Gunn and Greg Gunn and their spouses; cousins Sue Parker and Peter Gunn; as well as many nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in-law and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas Purdy Gunn and Barbara Ann Jefferis.
Jeff’s spirit lives on in every life he touched—through every wave he rode with courage and every soul he guided with grace. He was more than a shipmate or teacher—he was a guardian of the sea whose wake will ripple through generations.
Fair winds and following seas. We’ll carry your legacy forward—with courage, humility, and love. A Memorial Service will be held on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodland Hills Presbyterian Church 5751 Platt Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Following the service, there will be a paddle-out in front of Tower 14 at Zuma Beach, Malibu, Calilfornia.
Born on March 23, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeff grew up in Burlington, New Jersey. He graduated from Burlington City High School and went on to attend Burlington County Community College. In 1971, he answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard embodying the very spirit of Semper Paratus—Always Ready. Over the next 31 years, Jeff built a distinguished military career that spanned shipboard duties and coastal rescue operations. He spent nine years aboard ship as Deck Department Supervisor and Deck Watch Officer and twelve years at small coastal rescue boat stations, operating vessels under all weather conditions. He retired in 2002 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (Boatswain), having earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of those whose lives he helped protect.
Jeff's dedication to maritime safety did not end with his military retirement. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter of service. As a K38 Rescue Trainer and instructor for personal watercraft rescue training, he became a beacon of knowledge for first responders and mariners alike. He taught STCW 95 Basic Safety Training at El Camino College and served as an instructor with Marine Rescue Consultants, focusing on shipboard safety and boat operations. Through his work with the California Department of Boating and Waterways, he trained marine patrol officers across the state.
His commitment to education extended further still—he was an adjunct professor at American River College, contributing to POST training programs throughout California. Jeff served on the National Safe Boating Council’s Training and Education Committee as a Master Instructor Trainer. Beginning in 2004, he joined the Maritime Institute as an instructor.
Jeff captained numerous private yachts over the years and served for nearly two decades as a captain for FantaSea Yachts. His expertise led him to judge international search-and-rescue competitions in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and to provide tailored onboard training for over fifty yacht owners and their crews.
In recognition of his many contributions to boating safety and education, Jeff was awarded a Letter of Commendation by the National Water Safety Congress in 2006.
He held affiliations with numerous organizations that reflected his deep connection to maritime culture and environmental stewardship: California Boating Safety Officers Association; United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; National Safe Boating Council; United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association; Colorado River Boating Safety Task Force; Surfrider Foundation; and the United States Lighthouse Society.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff was known for his vibrant personality—a tall but gentle giant with a quick wit and an endless supply of grandpa jokes. He never met a stranger and everyone who crossed his path became a friend. His humility and compassion had a calming effect on others. Everyone felt safe and knew that they were in good hands around him. A passionate surfer with a love for travel and teaching, Jeff lived by the motto: “You must grow old, but you don’t have to grow up.” To him, this meant staying curious, kind-hearted, and true to oneself.
Semi-retired, Jeff and his wife, Ruthie, moved to the California desert where they built a new community. He discovered the tranquility of the Santa Rosa Mountains, pickle ball and also re-discovered his talent as a musician and for only a brief period, he became the drummer for the HighRoads Band in La Quinta, CA.
Jeff leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward his legacy: his wife Ruthie Marlenée Gunn; son Joshua Gunn and daughter-in-law Harumi; daughter Allison Hemphill and son-in-law Daniel Hemphill; stepdaughters Joy and Alexandra; son-in-law Daniel Dawson; ten grandchildren who adored him: Olivia, Lucas, Lily, Deacon, Leila, Able, Esperanza, Kalito, Ronan, and Vada; brothers Craig Gunn and Greg Gunn and their spouses; cousins Sue Parker and Peter Gunn; as well as many nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in-law and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas Purdy Gunn and Barbara Ann Jefferis.
Jeff’s spirit lives on in every life he touched—through every wave he rode with courage and every soul he guided with grace. He was more than a shipmate or teacher—he was a guardian of the sea whose wake will ripple through generations.
Fair winds and following seas. We’ll carry your legacy forward—with courage, humility, and love. A Memorial Service will be held on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodland Hills Presbyterian Church 5751 Platt Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Following the service, there will be a paddle-out in front of Tower 14 at Zuma Beach, Malibu, Calilfornia.
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