Jean D. 'J.D.' Farley, former owner of architecture firm Luckett & Farley, dies

The former owner of Louisville's largest architecture firm has died.

Architect Jean D. “J.D.” Farley died Tuesday, June 1, at Baptist East Hospital, according to a news release from Louisville-based architecture firm Luckett & Farley, which still bears his name today. He was 94.

“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,” Luckett & Farley President and CEO Aric Andrew said in the release. “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.”

Farley began working at what is now Luckett & Farley, then named D.X. Murphy & Brothers, in 1947, according to the release. 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, the release stated.

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

Farley’s long list of notable projects include work with Churchill Downs, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Fort Knox, Union Station, Ford Motor Co., Louisville Convention Center, and the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center, as well as numerous community colleges, school districts and churches, according to the release.

The Louisville native was born in 1927 and found his passion for architecture and design while attending drafting classes at Male High School.

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