Jay and Kristen Ruskey Accident Death and Obituary: Rest In Peace

The sudden deaths of Jay and Kristen Ruskey have left Santa Barbara County and the broader agricultural community mourning the loss of two innovators who reshaped coffee cultivation in California. Known for their vision, generosity, and pioneering spirit, the couple’s passing on Sunday leaves three teenage children without their devoted parents.

Founders of Frinj Coffee and operators of Good Land Organics, the Ruskeys advanced regenerative farming practices and introduced rare crops to the region. Their expertise helped create more than 70 coffee farms across Southern California, culminating in international acclaim when their specialty beans sold for $356 per kilogram at the Dubai Coffee Auction. Their journey reflected resilience, dedication, and an unyielding passion for sustainable agriculture.

Neighbors and friends remember them not only for their professional achievements but also for their warmth, generosity, and commitment to community. Schools, local charities, and aspiring farmers benefited from their guidance, mentorship, and acts of kindness.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral costs and provide financial support to Kasurina, Sean, and Aiden during this devastating time. As of Tuesday, the effort had raised over $65,000, highlighting the community’s outpouring of love and solidarity.

Though tragedy has claimed their lives, the Ruskeys’ influence will endure through the thriving farms they cultivated, the sustainable practices they championed, and the countless individuals they inspired. Their memory serves as a testament to innovation, compassion, and enduring legacy.