Remembering John Plinio (JP) Madonna
JP's legacy of kindness, adventure, and storytelling lives on in all who were blessed to know him.
A man whose spirit was as wild and free as the landscapes he loved has ridden on, leaving behind memories as enduring as the hills of Cayucos where he was born and raised. His roots ran deep—long before Whale Rock Dam—nourished by a life steeped in nature, grit, and quiet reverence.
JP lived the old-school way: rugged, honest, and true to himself. A cowboy to the core, he shared a wordless bond with his horses and was known for both his legendary marksmanship and magnetic storytelling. Whether hitting a target with ease or spinning tales by the fire, he did it all with a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin.
A walking chronicle of SLO County, JP was part historian, part cowboy philosopher, and pure local legend. His knowledge of the land and its stories was unmatched, turning everyday moments into lasting memories. A master of classic gun etiquette and a respectful outdoorsman, he hunted not just for sport, but for connection—with the land, the silence, and something timeless.
Though he was a man of few words, when he spoke, people listened.
Whether offering wry cowboy wisdom or recounting a quirky escapade, JP brought warmth, wit, and wonder to every gathering. From the Nacitone Museum Cast Iron Cookoff to the Swiss Picnic or a simple backyard BBQ—he was there, fully present, always contributing, always beloved.
JP spent time in Canada, working the land, building friendships, and collecting more tales to tell. Through his trucking business, Beaver Creek, he hauled not just water but courage—supporting wildfire efforts, movie productions, and friends in need.
No place held his heart like his ranch. It is more than land—it is a sanctuary, a living reflection of the life he carved with his own hands. His log home, sturdy and soulful, stands as a monument to simplicity, perseverance, and devotion to the earth. JP's garden was a steady rhythm in his life, this annual ritual grounded him in the turning of the seasons.
Through that humble garden and those purple spuds, JP nourished the people around him in more ways than one. JP’s love for winemaking was more than a hobby—it was a craft he poured his heart into.
Native Son of Cayucos, California
Forever in Our Hearts
JP Madonna is survived by an extensive family of close friends, nieces, nephews and many cousins, and his loyal dog, Kirby. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and profound connection to people and place. His spirit rides on in the rolling hills of California and in the hearts of all who loved him.