Luckett & Farley namesake Jean D. “J.D.” Farley dies at 94

Architect Jean D. “J.D.” Farley died Tuesday, June 1 at Baptist East Hospital. Farley was the former owner of Louisville-based architecture firm Luckett & Farley, which still bears his name today.

J.D. Farley’s Legacy

Farley began working at what is now Luckett & Farley, then named D.X. Murphy & Brothers, in 1947. He became vice president and part owner of the firm in 1956 with the late T.D. Luckett. In 1970, the firm was renamed Luckett & Farley. Farley became president and sole owner of the firm in 1974 when Luckett retired and continued there until retirement in 1982.

Farley’s long list of notable projects include work with Churchill Downs, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, the U.S. Corp of Engineers, Fort Knox, Union Station, Ford Motor Company, Louisville Convention Center, the KY Fair & Exposition Center, the Department of Corrections, the Postal Service as well as numerous community colleges, school districts and churches. The Louisville native was born in 1927 and found his passion for architecture and design while attending drafting classes at Male High School.

Farley Remembered

“Mr. Farley’s vision and contributions are integral to the legacy of Luckett & Farley. He took great pride in how the company has grown over time,” said Luckett & Farley President and CEO Aric Andrew. “We are saddened to hear of his passing and will keep his dedication to the employees of Luckett & Farley as a vital part of our ongoing mission.”

“He was a good mentor,” said former Luckett & Farley Market Director Don VanBogaert. “He trusted his employees to get the job done and was ready to help when needed.”