Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, young owner of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch, Brentwood and Pittsburg, dies Tuesday

A photo with a special effect of Jeremy "Lumpy" Sturgill, center in red hat, with family and friends posted on the Facebook page for Lumpy's Diner.

A photo of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, center in red hat, with family and friends posted on the Facebook page for Lumpy’s Diner.

Flowers were placed in front of the door which bore a sign saying "closed until further notice" at Lumpy's Antioch location, Tuesday afternoon.

Flowers were placed in front of the door which bore a sign saying “closed until further notice” at Lumpy’s Antioch location, Tuesday afternoon.

By Allen Payton

Friends and customers of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, owner of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch and Pittsburg, and Lumpy’s Express in Brentwood, mourned his passing, via social media, on Tuesday morning just after 8:00 a.m.

Flowers were placed at the door of the Antioch location, and a sign on the window there stated “Lumpy’s Diner will be closed until further notice.” However, both the Brentwood and Pittsburg locations were open on Tuesday.

The business’ website provides information about Sturgill and his business:

“Lumpy’s Diner was built in 2008 by Jeremy (Lumpy) Sturgill. He grew up in the restaurant industry. His parents created Digger’s Diner in Concord, CA. Lumpy started running that diner at the age of 14. After dedicating his life to the business, it was time for him to strike out on his own path. With the first Lumpy’s Diner being built in 2008, two more locations followed shortly after.

The Pittsburg Lumpy’s became the second location and after noticing a huge demand for the quality of food and service Lumpy expects, the idea to streamline the process and create a faster, over the counter version of Lumpy’s Diner was born. That extension of this brand is Lumpy’s Diner Express. The first LDX, as we like to refer to it, was opened in 2012 in Brentwood, Ca.

So much has changed for Lumpy since beginning his exciting adventure… he met a woman who truly is his companion, she helps him in every way. That woman is Marci and the two got married in 2011. As life tends to be, the two quickly had their first child and welcomed Jaxx into the family, November of 2012. This family has worked together, hand and hand, to make Lumpy’s Diner and Lumpy’s Diner Express the best locally owned restaurant in the East Bay.

Recently the Lumpy’s Diner crew’s operations have expanded to include a catering business known as Elle Dee’s. The team caters everything from car show to weddings (check out our catering page). As we continue to grow one thing remains true… without all the strong support we get from our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today. With 5 successful years behind us we thrive to continue as a community based establishment and offer a fun and exciting environment for you and your family to enjoy. Make sure to visit us at one of our annual events (fundraisers, car shows, burger contest and toy drive) or during the week for a laid back dining experience. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you!

World Famous Since 2008!

Lumpy’s was known for their burgers, as well as their car, truck and bike shows and burger eating contests. Sturgill was known for his generosity, having his business sponsor Christmas toy drives with former 49er Jeremy Newberry.

On his Facebook page, Newberry wrote “R.I.P. Lump. You will be missed by many.”

Others posted photos they had taken with Sturgill, including one with East Bay Regional Parks Director Diane Burgis and her family.

Maria Lazzerini, the night manager at the Deer Valley Safeway in Antioch, wrote “R.I.P Lumpy! You will be missed! The community has lost of of the most caring and giving guys!! Way too young! Prayers to his family.”

Referring to a fundraiser held at Lumpy’s, for her daughter who had a brain tumor, Lazzerini added, “So young and so caring. He…was always so giving with the communities fundraiser, including Alison’s.”

RIP Lumpy Sturgill,” wrote Doug Knowles who posted additional photos and a TV commercial for Lumpy’s on his Facebook Page. “You and Your Family are in our Thoughts and Prayers.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up by LaTasha Renée, entitled The Sturgill Family Fund.  By 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the goal of $10,000 had been surpassed by $1,570. Following is the message on that page:

Last night our Fit Family member and friend, Marci Sturgill and their 2 boys, suffered a devastating loss and the earth lost an angel. Lumpy, beloved husband, son, father and owner of Lumpy’s Diner passed away.

Lumpy was known and valued for all he gave to others and for the friend and business owner he was in our community. He loved his family and his infectious smile, his passion for his customers and for his business will be missed

Please consider making a donation to help The Sturgill Family. They need the community that Lumpy so willing loved on to give back in an effort to help ease the financial pain that this devastating loss can cause a family that is self employed. All funds donated will go directly to the Sturgill Family.
Thank you in advance for your donation and it comes with much love and many prayers to you and your boys Marci! Xo”

Please check back for details on his official obituary and possible memorial service.


the attachments to this post:


Lumpy’s Diner Antioch on Tuesday afternoon.


Lumpy’s


24 Comments to “Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, young owner of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch, Brentwood and Pittsburg, dies Tuesday”

  1. Marty and Nancy Fernandez says:

    The good guy mold has been broken. Jeremy did so much for so many. Good Bless the entire family. Marty and Nancy Fernandez

  2. Peggy & Lonnie Ibbeson says:

    So sorry to hear about Lumpy’s passing, he fixed a lot of our breakfast at Diggers Diner before he opened his diner, our thoughts and prayer’s are with his wife and son’s along with his parent’s, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

    Lonnie and Peggy Ibbeson

  3. Cailey says:

    Lumpy (Jeremy) and I went to Sunday school together. I grew up going to Diggers, we would always catch up and my kids’ births were always celebrated there. It was like a family. It’s always a shock to loose someone so young and with so much going for them. His life wasn’t lived in vain. Many people were touched by his ways, his heart, and his love for people. I can’t imagine the devastation this has on his wife Marci and the boys. Continued prayers to his Mom, Dad and entire Digger’s/Lumpy’s family.

  4. Mila says:

    What a devastating news. We have enjoyed meeting him and eating at his diner in Brentwood. His kind heart and giving ways will be missed. Rest in Peace.

  5. RAY says:

    WHAT HAPPENED?????
    HOW DID HE PASS AWAY?

  6. Donna Keener says:

    I am so sad to hear of the news. He was such a caring man and gave so much of himself to so many. I thank God for even being able to share a moment of time in his life. He has left us at such a young age. I pray now that God will strenghten the family and bring a calming peace to their life. May the lord bless you always and keep you strongh through this very difficult time in all of your lives.
    Jesus said;”I am the way the truth and the life;
    He who believes in Me will live even if he dies,and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26. I believe he is with the lord and we can rejoice and be glad in God for his amazing love for all of us.Lumpy,you will be greatly missed……
    MAY THE LORD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING HANDS ALWAYS….

  7. Marlene says:

    And that’s what happens when you are an a**h*** to people… Karma is a b****!

    • missy says:

      Leaving a comment like this…does that make you feel better? I hope you sleep well tonight, and nothing tragic ever happens to you or a loved one, because lord knows you are not strong enough to handle something like that. I can only pray for you to become a better person.

    • Keylolo says:

      Real class act. 2 boys lost their father, a wife is grieving. Despicable.

    • Rick says:

      only a**hole here is you!

    • Veronica says:

      Whos the a**h*** marlene? Only an a**h*** would leave this kinda of comment when a family is hurting. Regardless of what shortcomings a person may have had a wife lost her husband and those kids lost a father. They don’t need stupid, hurtful s*** like this. But hey, if he was an asshole apparently you were the only one so how does that feel?

  8. Marlene says:

    Oops I mean … That’s what happens when you treat people badly… Karma Is… A female dog.. lol!

    • Margi says:

      What the heck is wrong with you? This is not any better and as you say Karma is a b****, is watch my back if I were you.

      • Julie says:

        I think she is just upset she wouldn’t have nearly as many people come together if it was her that was the one gone. Clearly actually!!! I think her one comment means so little when you look at all that came together for him, that’s the true testament as to the kind of person he was! Not this one minuscule comment from someone who means so little

    • Janet Larner says:

      to the jerk Marlene, who wrote such negative words… you need a moral overhaul, is there not a shred of decency in you? Probably not from what you said about Lumpy, we love him and his family, and by the way he is member of my family. There are not enough words to describe the terrible wrong you have done, shame on you! Wonder if you had to trade places what a whole lot of others would say about you, certainly it would be so bad it could not be said publically. Shame on you!

  9. Jerry the barber says:

    Thanks 4 everything lump way 2 young and I’m sorry 4 the family I know your boys were everything 2 u .

  10. Horn E. Bro says:

    Liked his food.
    Respect all he did for the community.

    He treated his restaurant workers like s*** though.

    JUST SAYING

    • Just hoping... says:

      Someone has passed and if you had problems, please let them go. When someone has died, please consider the feelings of their loved ones. I know I would wish the same of others if I were the one who was gone. Try to remember something good about that person and focus on that for now. Please….for the sake of his two young children, try to be kind to his memory.

  11. Gary & Cindy Gilbert says:

    So sorry to hear about Lumpy and the great food his restaurant provides it is our favorite breakfast spot. We moved to SoCal three years ago but whenever we come back to the area to visit, breakfast @ Lumpy’s is always apart of our plans.

    May God place his loving arms around his wife and children.

  12. Just me says:

    If people here have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all nobody should have the suffering of dying it is a loss for his boys &family no matter what your option is keep it respectful

  13. Joan(SillyJoJo )Smith says:

    RIP. I always enjoyed twisting balloons at the burger eating contest. I always had a very high opinion of Lumpy. He was kind, giving and fun loving. Gone way to soon

  14. Shocked says:

    I am truly appalled by the 2 yes 2 negative comments left during such a tragic, tragic,loss and time. Where is your humanity. Clearly all the thousands of wonderful things said about Jeremy/Lumpy it was not he that had the issue but rather you two Horn. E Bro and Marlene! I pray for you both, you’re absolutely digusting!

  15. Ed says:

    We just went to the Lumpy’s in Brentwood and I had never been there. The atmosphere was really cool and the food quite grubbing! I was aware of his passing and really sad…gone too soon for someone so giving. It’s good to see his legacy continue with his restaurants.

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