John Godown Emerson Vmd

1928 - 2025

John Godown Emerson VMD
Warrington - Dr. John Godown Emerson, VMD, 96, of Buckingham, PA, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025.
Born in Bridgeton, NJ, on December 16, 1928, to Joseph and Hilda Emerson, he was their only child. Raised on a small South Jersey farm, his love for animals began earlyespecially after treating a sick calf with a raw egg, shell and all.
He studied at Rutgers and Catawba College, earning his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1954, where he met and later married fellow veterinarian Dr. Doris Sell. They were married for 66 years until her passing in 2023. Jack served in the U.S. Air Force in Europe, where he proposed by letter. The couple later toured Europe in a white TR2 sports caran adventure they treasured always.
Dr. Emerson began his equine veterinary career at Enterprise Farm in Pipersville and continued at Pine Run Farm. Alongside these equine practices, he and Doris established the Emerson Veterinary Clinic in Buckingham, serving cats and dogs. These practices spanned more than 30 years. He also operated a mobile practice, often responding to emergencies day and night. One memorable call involved rescuing a horse from the Delaware Canal in New Hope using plywood for traction.
He later helped found Lampire Biological Laboratories and served for decades as its Staff Veterinarian. Known for his wisdom, storytelling, and deep compassionespecially for donkeysJack was respected by generations of clients and colleagues.
He is survived by his children, Linda Emerson, Holly Emerson (Keith Wohlers), and Mardi Rumin (Eric Rumin); three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A Remembrance Gathering will be held on July 16, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Plumsteadville Inn. A final farewell will take place later in Marathon, FL, his home away from home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness or a donation to an animal welfare organization in his memory.