Justin Milliken Obituary, Jacksonville, Florida: Grumpy’s Restaurant Co-Owner Dies Suddenly in St. Johns

The St. Johns community is mourning the sudden death of Justin Milliken, a father and co-owner of Grumpy’s Restaurant whose passing has left family members, friends, employees and customers grieving.

Milliken was found deceased Wednesday morning at the Grumpy’s Restaurant location on County Road 210 in St. Johns County, Florida. Deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the restaurant at 155 Fountains Way after the discovery.

According to information released by authorities, there was no indication of foul play. The circumstances surrounding Milliken’s death were being handled by authorities, and additional details about the manner or cause of death had not been publicly released.

News of his passing quickly affected the Grumpy’s Restaurant family, where Milliken had become closely connected to both the business and the St. Johns community.

Restaurant Company President and CEO Daniel DeLeon expressed the company’s sadness following Milliken’s death and extended condolences to his family, including his wife, Leah, as well as the employees and members of the St. Johns team affected by the loss.

The restaurant temporarily closed Wednesday following the tragedy and was expected to resume normal business hours the following day.

Justin and Leah Milliken played an important role in bringing Grumpy’s Restaurant to St. Johns County. The couple became franchisees in 2020 before opening the St. Johns location at The Fountains at St. Johns in August 2021.

The restaurant, located at 155 Fountains Way, became the third location in the Grumpy’s chain and was established as a neighborhood destination serving breakfast, lunch and brunch. At the time of its opening, the St. Johns location was expected to create more than 40 jobs, further connecting the business to the local community.

The Millikens had previously spoken about their connection to the Grumpy’s brand and their desire to create a welcoming local restaurant where families and friends could gather. Their involvement helped establish the St. Johns location as part of the area’s growing restaurant community.

Justin’s death therefore represents a loss not only for his family but also for the employees and customers who knew him through the restaurant.

For coworkers, the restaurant was more than simply a place of employment. It was a business that had become part of the surrounding community, and Milliken’s involvement as a local owner gave him a direct connection to the people who worked there and those who regularly visited.

The sudden nature of his passing has made the loss particularly difficult for those who knew him. Family members, friends and colleagues are now facing the painful task of remembering Justin while coming to terms with his absence.

At this time, authorities have not publicly provided additional details about what led to his death. There is also no confirmed public information establishing a specific cause or manner of death beyond the indication that investigators found no apparent evidence of foul play.

As the investigation and any related procedures continue, those closest to Justin are being given space to grieve privately.

His wife, Leah, and their family have received condolences from members of the Grumpy’s organization and the wider St. Johns community. Employees and customers who became familiar with the Millikens through the restaurant are also remembering the role he played in building the local business.

Justin Milliken will be remembered by those who knew him as a local business owner, husband, father and member of the St. Johns community. His sudden passing has left a lasting impact on the people and business community he was connected to.

As family, friends and colleagues mourn, many are reflecting on the years Justin spent helping establish Grumpy’s as part of the St. Johns community.

May Justin Milliken rest in peace, and may his family, Leah, coworkers and all those affected by his passing find strength and comfort during this difficult time.