With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of John Wayne Coffey, the Unpaved Explorer—a cherished family man, friend, and adventurer. John, who was 53 years old when he died on Tuesday, December 6, 2023, was known for his loving spirit, sense of humor, and devotion to the outdoors. Born into the wilds of Kodiak, Alaska, John has always been full of wonder and eager to learn more about the world around him.
His fifteen years of residency in Parma, Ohio, were deeply impactful, and he became an enduring part of the community. Those fortunate enough to have known him will never forget him. John put in many hours as a mortgage underwriter until he retired in 2020. He had been working as a specialist for quite some time. But his uniqueness lay in his devotion to nature. As an avid outdoorsman, John found solace and joy in the natural beauty of his environment.
Camping and trekking were more than simply hobbies for him, and he freely shared them with the world through his popular YouTube channel, Unpaved Explorer. Many people were inspired by John’s stories and his fearless spirit, and he eventually amassed a legion of devoted fans. Through his lens, viewers were able to virtually immerse themselves in the splendor of untamed landscapes, elevating their admiration for the unexplored parts of our planet.
Many people hold him in high esteem; these include his mother, Filomena Coffey, his brother, Paul “Danny” Coffey, his sister, Betty Emery, his cherished nephew, Paul Coffey Jr., his uncle, Edward Lee Roberts, who was a rock in his life, and his cousins, Lois Kacvinsky and Dave Emling. Not only does John’s death affect his loved ones, but it also affects his friends and acquaintances, including John Foster, Beth Hollingsworth, and Jessica Krementz.
A private celebration honoring John’s life will be held, as per his request. Let us celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and the mysteries he unearthed in the world’s uncharted territories in memory of this remarkable guy.
His life should serve as a constant reminder of the value of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the excitement of adventure. Those fortunate enough to have traveled with John on his adventures will hold him in high esteem as the Unpaved Explorer.
