John Longfield

John Robert Longfield, lovingly known as "LJ," passed away on February 26, 2025, in Colton, California, at the age of 71.

Born on November 13, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa, John grew up with a deep appreciation for knowledge and justice. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Tacoma, Washington, in 1971 and went on to earn his degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1976. His passion for learning never waned, and he remained an avid reader and researcher throughout his life.

John had a lifelong love of crime, mystery, and courtroom novels, as well as television shows and movies that explored those themes. His fascination with the legal system extended beyond fiction-he was deeply engaged in politics and judicial issues. He enjoyed listening to live Supreme Court oral arguments and making predictions about case outcomes. His sharp analytical mind and keen sense of justice made him a formidable advocate for fairness and equality.

A dedicated genealogist, John meticulously traced his maternal ancestry back to the origins of the Clan MacFarlane. His research connected him to a rich historical lineage, and he took great pride in being a member of the Clan MacFarlane Society.

John's passion for sports was undeniable. College football and college basketball were his favorite seasons, and he followed them with enthusiasm. Whether watching a game or discussing plays with friends and family, his love for sports was infectious.

Beyond his personal interests, John had a long history of community activism. Shortly after he and his wife Robin moved to the Inland Empire early in their marriage, he became deeply involved in local governance. He attended countless City Council, Planning Commission, and School Board meetings, becoming a well-known figure in civic discussions. He served on his city's Civil Service Commission for several years, always advocating for those who were marginalized or treated unfairly by those in power. John was never afraid to speak out against injustice-his voice was strong, unwavering, and often transformative. He had an uncanny ability to see situations from unique perspectives-so much so that it often seemed as if "the box" didn't even exist for him. His insights frequently led others to reconsider their own views.

John's faith journey led him to become a member of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside in December 1997. The church's Seven Principles aligned perfectly with his values-especially those centered on social justice, service, and environmentalism. He served on several committees over the years, including maintenance, finance, and personnel. He was known within the congregation for his kindness, empathy, compassion, and volunteerism-as well as for fearlessly speaking out when he believed policies were fiscally unsound or morally wrong.

Those who knew John best appreciated his dual nature-on one hand thoughtful, caring, insightful, empathetic, and sweet; on the other hand prone to expecting the worst-case scenario in any situation. Robin affectionately nicknamed him "Eeyore," a moniker he embraced wholeheartedly-especially since it gave him an excuse to collect Eeyore memorabilia! One particularly cherished memory was when his daughter Jennie crafted a construction paper tail for him as a Christmas gift-a gesture that made him laugh uproariously.

John's daughters, Sarah and Jennie, were his greatest sources of pride and joy. He was deeply involved in their lives-supporting their education, scouting activities, and athletic pursuits. His ability to connect with children of all ages was remarkable; he had an innate understanding of how they saw the world and always treated them with respect and warmth.

John was admired for his willingness to speak his mind without concern for how others might react-whether at a meeting, a film history class, or a sporting event. His opinions were always well thought out and passionately expressed. He could be sweetly sentimental one moment and delightfully curmudgeonly the next-but no matter what mood he was in, he was everyone's favorite curmudgeon.

John is survived by his beloved wife Robin; his daughter Sarah and her partner Sergio Cruz; his brothers Jim (Merrie) and Joe (Myra); his aunt Judy Karlson; his uncle Larry Karlson; his brother-in-law James Woodruff (Jessie); three nephews; two nieces; two grand-nephews; one grand-niece; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Robert Longfield and Shirley Mae Dunker Longfield-and by his cherished daughter Jennie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles (6000 Santa Monica Blvd).

John was deeply loved and will be intensely missed by all who knew him. His legacy of advocacy, intellect, humor, and unwavering commitment to justice will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

John Longfield Memorial Service

Monday, March 31 @ 11am (Pacific Time)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83809610094?pwd=nsIw46IF6c5udPgk0d2absfo6WWbH3.1

Meeting ID: 838 0961 0094

Passcode: John11am

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in John's name to one of the following causes close to his heart.

Donkeyland (in honor of Big Eeyore)

https://www.pledge.to/donkeyland

Actors and Others for Animals

https://actorsandothers.com/memorial_donation.html

Save Ellis Island Foundation

https://shop.saveellisisland.org/products/donate-to-help-save-ellis-island