Jon David Shuff

Jon David Shuff—JD, J Dizzle, J Pop, and most recently PeePaw (a name lovingly bestowed by his youngest grandson who hasn’t quite mastered his J’s)—lived life at full blast. At 51, he left this world unexpectedly, but in his prime - just as he always predicted he would. The man still had a six-pack and biceps that would make any man green with envy.

Raised in Franklin, Tennessee, Jon David was the son of his hero, Ronald Lamar Shuff Sr. and the late Alice Weathers Shuff. He cultivated a life that overflowed with love, music, adventure, and a special kind of JD Shuff magic alongside his wife and high school sweetheart, Sasha Milena Shuff. He was a proud father to Natalie Weathers Shuff Sneed (William McDonald Sneed), Christopher Landon Shuff, and Milena Marie Shuff. His greatest new role was J Pop to his grandsons, George McDonald Sneed and Miles David Sneed. He also leaves behind his sister, Marla Shuff Albert (Dan Albert), his brother, Ronald Lamar Shuff Jr., his beloved Charlotte Hall “Auntie Chuck,” many nieces and nephews, his K9 sidekick Coltrane, and many friends he considered family. 

JD had a mind as sharp as his wit. He wore many hats in his career, but his passions always led the way. He was a graduate of MTSU, but more importantly, a lifelong learner. He was a drummer, songwriter, recording engineer, motorcycle and ski enthusiast, and a professional salesman who could sell without even selling. JD sought adventure and loved a challenge. He never met a stranger. He knew he lived an amazing life and never took one moment of it for granted - always fully present and full of gratitude. 

In his final years, JD and Sasha built the home they had been dreaming of for 15 years at the top of their property in Nolensville, called “Mount Shuffmore.” It has been a place where friendships are deep, land is worked, dirt bikes are ridden, meals are shared, and laughter is abundant. He spent his last weekend exactly as he would have wanted— on the mountain, playing with his grandsons, and soaking in the beauty of a life lived to the fullest. 

JD loved life and life loved him back. His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31. “But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” He used to say, “How awesome will it be to have wings?! And to run really fast and not get tired!” He has been missing his mom Alice for many many years, and their reunion must have been the most joyous of occasions. 

We will never stop missing him, but his story doesn’t end here. His spirit lives on in his children and grandchildren, the many lives he poured into, in the music and memories made, in the land he cultivated, and in the connections he built with each person who helped shape him into the legend of a man that he became. 

To those who knew him well, the story of his life sings like the most dynamic and engaging song. Meaningful and evocative. Strong and memorable. Catchy, but not predictable. Endlessly impactful. He leaves this world better than he found it. Just like he always hoped he would.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 PM Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Historic Franklin First United Methodist Church (148 5th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, any contributions in Jon David’s honor can be made to one of the following organizations:

•  Williamson County DUI Court Foundation
• W.O. Smith Music School 
• No One Buried Alone