John "Jd" Dawson

John (JD) Dawson

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. Predeceased 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 11:00 AM.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in JD's memory to Cascades Humane Society.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years