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John "Jd" Dawson

02/03/1952 - 10/16/2025

John "Jd" Dawson obituary, 02/03/1952-10/16/2025, Jackson, MI

BORN

02/03/1952

DIED

10/16/2025

FUNERAL HOME

Desnoyer Funeral Home - Jackson

204 N. Blackstone

Jackson, Michigan

John Dawson Obituary

Age 73, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully. John was fun-loving, kind, and had a great sense of humor. JD was born on February 3, 1952, in Gary, Indiana. When he was three years old, his family moved to Jackson, where he lived for the rest of his life. He graduated from Jackson High School and later started his own business, JD's Trophy Shop (Imagecraft), which he ran for over 40 years. JD cared about his community and gave his time to several local organizations. He volunteered with Special Olympics, Cascades Humane Society, and other groups whenever he could. He also sponsored the Annual JD's Invitational Track Meet at Jackson High School. Outside of work and service, JD found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer, a loyal NASCAR fan, and cherished every moment spent at Clark Lake. He was also a lifelong member at the Grotto Club. Whether it was enjoying a round of golf with friends or relaxing lakeside with family, JD knew how to savor the good things in life.
He is survived by his wife; Marilyn, chosen daughters Vanessa (Steve) Bechler, and Valerie (David) Hall; grandchildren Christian (Adriane) Bechler, Alex Bechler, Leah (Darin) Martin, Lindsey Hall; great-grandchildren Leo, Nolan, and Luca; siblings Diane Cerqueira, Tom Graetz, Gary (Carolyn) Graetz, Larry (Teresa) Graetz; many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Paul and Dolores Dawson; sister-in-law Shelby Graetz; and brother-in-law Frank Cerequeira. He will be missed by family, friends, neighbors, and those who knew him through his work and volunteer efforts. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of JD's life will be held at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in JD's memory to Cascades Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jackson Citizen Patriot from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Robert W. Smith

October 28, 2025

Marilyn, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of John. He was a great classmate at JHS (1970) and just all around great guy. May He Rest in Peace.

Respectfully,

Bob Smith

Mike Caldwell

October 23, 2025

Marilyn and Family, I am sorry for the of JD, He will be truly missed.

Mike &Ann Silveus

October 23, 2025

Dear Marilyn & Family,
We're sorry to hear of JD's passing. Sorry we can't be at the service as we are out of town. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

Mike Scheid

October 22, 2025

Hello, my name is Mike Scheid (bottle), I met JD (left of Nick) at one of our M*A*S*H parties hosted by Pearce Atwater (back left) `79-`81.
Great memories of those occasions in our younger days.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
JD remains a big part of the happy memories of those times for me personally as well.
I made coasters from both versions this photo sending sets to JD, Nick, and Pearce. When I heard of his passing I opened the MASH tv show book where the thank you letter from JD was kept.
Now it is I who say thanks; thank you, JD, for the laughs, good times, and friendship above all.
With a smile and a wink permit me to say, "well rattled, JD, well indeed!"
Rest In Peace
God bless your loved ones.
-mike

Steve Brown

October 22, 2025

Marilyn and family, I´m so sorry to read about JDs passing. I think I got to know John first when doing business with him at Vermeulens, and then became good friends with him through other people that knew him, as so many people in this community did. He was genuine and just simply a nice person, can´t imagine anyone that doesn´t agree.
He will truly be missed.

Carol Dwyer

October 22, 2025

Dear Marilyn, I am so very sorry on the loss of your dear husband. My condolences to the entire family that loved JD so much, as he did them. I have known JD mostly through great stories told by Larry Graetz...stories of their brother golf trips, of NASCAR, of the trophy shop, and of his humor, as well as his kindness. I know how much he will be missed in your life and I will pray for your strength in the days ahead.

Michael McClintic

October 21, 2025

My Deepest Condolences to Marilyn and the Families. Amazing Memories of Nascar, Golf, Go-Kart racing and Community Service with JD over many years, he will be sorely missed. RIP my Friend

Mark Steven Kennedy

October 20, 2025

RIP "JD" Dawson. I knew JD for many years, truly a great guy. I first met JD back in the early 70's when I worked "Frank's Finer Foods" party store. JD always had a story to share, a joke to tell. My sincerest condolences to out to JD's entire family. JD will be sadly missed by his family & many friends as well. RIP my friend, see ya on the other side.

Debbie Richardson Parisho

October 20, 2025

Marilyn ~ I am so saddened to read of JD's passing. He was an incredible guy. I dealt with him for many years at the Trophy Shop and he always took great care of me and what I needed. It was always nice to run into him over the years and reminisce of the past. He was definitely one of the good ones and will be missed by many. You and JD's family are in my thoughts and prayers.

dennis cough

October 19, 2025

I have known JD since 1971. He had a personality larger than life. I always knew I could count on him being at the lake and enjoyed many hours visiting him on his pontoon. He was a definite community man and he will truly be missed by many of his friends and family members. Rest in Peace JD. You´re one of the good ones.

Matt Heins

October 19, 2025

Diane, so sorry for your loss. He always did a great job for JPD!

Dave Stadelman

October 19, 2025

Rest in Peace John. Many good memories from St. Mary School. You will certainly be missed in the Jackson community.

Cindy Norris

October 18, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear of JDs passing We were once very close friends Circumstances changed and I moved away but I still think of his kind and generous heart and sense of humor My condolences to all his loved ones . Never forget the time we got him to go to the humane society to get a puppy for my sister While there he called and said there was a black poodle there and he thought my husband and I should get it and btw he says there is an adorable puppy here for your sisters friend In the end we came home to three puppies I know he will be greatly missed

Greg O´Connor

October 18, 2025

John was just a great man and a tremendous Jackson community member ... RIP my friend many thoughts and prayers GO´C

Shirley Ann Bennett

October 18, 2025

JD was a great guy. He will be missed.

Ray and Geri Eicher

October 18, 2025

Sending special thoughts and prayers to his family. JD was a special friends to us. God Bless

Nancy O'Keefe

October 18, 2025

Sending heartfelt thoughts of sympathy to Marilyn, Diane and extended family over the loss of their loved one JD. He will certainly be missed but fond memories of him will never fade away.
Nancy and Mike O'Keefe

John and Nan Gould

October 18, 2025

Marilyn and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of JD´s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed.
You´re all in our thoughts and prayers.
May he Rest In Peace

John and Nan

Douglas Nowlin

October 18, 2025

Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss.

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Memorial Events
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Oct

23

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Desnoyer Funeral Home

204 N. Blackstone, Jackson, MI 49201

Oct

23

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Desnoyer Funeral Home

204 N. Blackstone, Jackson, MI 49201

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Desnoyer Funeral Home - Jackson

204 N. Blackstone, Jackson, MI 49201

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