John Dunham

To know John Dunham was to love him. He was a likable fellow, and his sense of commitment was evident through his hard work and determination. Once he set his sights on the task at hand, he saw it through to completion and did only his very best along the way. When it came to those around him, he was a loving, caring and concerned individual who could be depended on. Most of all, John loved bringing a smile to someone's day, and for all who knew and loved him, he will be sorely missed.

Although tensions continued to flare overseas, the year 1954 marked a quieter, more stable time in America. The baby boom found families moving to newly developed suburbs, and with an increasing number of women entering the workforce, the introduction of the TV dinner was a welcome addition to their kitchens. Elvis Presley ushered in his career and at the same time, the U.S. Supreme Court ushered out segregation, deeming it unconstitutional in all U.S. public schools. A most welcome event in the lives of Emerson and Jean (Bacon) Dunham that year included the January 7, 1954 birth of their son, John.

Born in the city of St. Johns, Michigan, John was the oldest of eventually two children, and later welcomed younger brother, Harold. His brother's birth was an unforgettable event in young John's life. His father hauled fuel oil along with various other jobs for a living and was out on a fuel delivery run when he was born which made for an excitable day. As a schoolteacher, his mother was able to be home with John and his brother during the summer months. John enjoyed boyhood adventures growing up on their family farm in the village of Elsie on Hollister Road where memorable times were shared as a family.

As a youngster, John was very involved in the local 4H program and the FFA, Future Farmers of America. In school he played a little basketball and football, and worked at Gene's IGA, the local supermarket in town. Although very shy for the most part, there was a pretty young girl in school who captured John's attention and heart in a big way. After Pam Chapko invited John to attend the Sadie Hawkins Dance with her, the two became high school sweethearts. He went on to graduate from Ovid-Elsie High School, and proposed to Pam with a diamond ring the next Christmas. Happily married on November 17, 1973, it was only the beginning of many more wonderful years together.

There were many things that sparked John's interest, but none compared to his love for cars. From his earliest years he loved working on them. After their wedding, John began attending Lansing Community College. He took automotive classes, but just before he was set to graduate, he landed a job working at the General Motors plant in Flint. From there he worked various jobs at area car dealerships and service stations, and his love for tinkering with cars to get them just right continued.

Deep within his heart, John became a "cowboy wannabe". When he began working at Tom's Western Store in Ovid five years ago, it was right up his alley. Whatever John did, he did all the way. He never gave second best, and didn't have much patience with those who did.

When children came into their lives, nothing warmed John's heart more than the love he had for their daughters, Jennifer and Bethany. He absolutely loved spending time with them playing, and their giggles always made him grateful. He was sure to attend each of their many activities and school events, and tried to be the attentive and loving father they so deserved. He was equally blessed when grandchildren came along. Cooper and Avery always brought a sure smile to his face.

John and his family traveled north to the Mackinaw area where they spent many enjoyable times together. They especially loved time on the island taking in all it had to offer. An advocate for the preservation of wildlife, he loved to fish, and in his spare time he did so often along with hunting, mostly for turkey and deer. In fact, John even served as past president of the Turkey Federation. He also enjoyed fun times riding his quad and loved going to the rodeo whenever he had the opportunity.

Even though John was a dedicated, hard worker, he was well rounded in all he did. He loved joking around and was known to be a practical jokester a time or two. Quite simply, John loved making people laugh and enjoyed getting a rise out of them !!

Loving, kind and caring, John Dunham was a treasure in the hearts of many. A man committed to his family and the things that he truly believed in, his hard work ethic and dependability could be found at his very core as a man of great integrity. Although sadly missed, he will be remembered fondly.

John Dunham passed away Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the age of 57. He is survived by his wife, Pam; his daughters: Jennifer Dunham, Bethany (Neil) Dreffs; grandchildren: Cooper Dreffs, Avery Dreffs; his mother, Jean Dunham; brothers-in-law: Terry Chapko, Steve (Shannon) Chapko; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Mildred Chapko. John was preceded in death by his father, and brother, Harold Dunham.

The funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for John at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid, Michigan with Rev. Fr. Raymond Urbanek officiating. Burial at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Tuesday with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Houghton Chapel of The Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center.

To learn more about John, view his Life Story film, share a favorite memory or photo with his family and to sign his online guest book, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/74371.