John Dawdy Obituary
Born on December 22, 1953, John dedicated his life to service and family. He proudly served as a Morris County Sheriff's Corrections Officer at the Morris County Jail from June 1983 until his retirement in November 1995. During his tenure, he was also a valued member of the Morris County Sheriff's Department Underwater Investigations Unit, serving on the dive search and rescue team from 1986 to 1995. He was an active member and past president of Local PBA 298. In addition to his law enforcement career, John volunteered for several years as a firefighter with the Dover Fire Department.
John found great joy and solace in the outdoors-particularly near the water. He loved to fish, but even more so, he cherished the peace that came from simply being by the water. It was in those quiet moments that he found reflection and calm. He also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with others.
John deeply loved his family and found his greatest fulfillment in his roles as a father, partner, and grandfather. He was known for recounting memories with warmth and humor, and he never missed an opportunity to share stories or express his deep love and appreciation for his daughters. Preceded in death by his beloved mother Lillian (1989), father Arthur (~1991), and brother Daniel (1957), he is now reunited with those who went before him. He is survived by his devoted partner of 26 years, Rose; his daughters Jackie, Katie, and Stacey; his stepdaughter Priscilla Wheeler; and his beloved grandchildren Ethan, Jocelyn, and Ronin. He also leaves behind his sisters Kathy, Joanna, and Donna Marie, his brother Stephen, nieces Danielle, Christine, and Erika, and nephews John, Eric, Alan, David, and Christopher.
John's legacy is one of service, love, and quiet strength. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
At this time, the family has chosen to forgo formal services. In the future, they hope to find meaningful ways to celebrate John's life. For those who wish to honor his memory, flowers or a tree planting may be sent to:
Cedar Grove Village Apartments
100 Cedar Grove Rd, Bldg. 12, Apt. 11
Randolph, NJ 07869
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Priscilla aka Slim Jim
August 14, 2025
I was 19 yrs old when you came into my life, that was 27 yrs ago. . Not in a loud or commanding way-but in the quiet, steady way that stays with you forever. You were a man of very few words. You spoke only when it counted-and every word did count. To me, you became more than a stepfather figure-you were a solid presence, a quiet protector, and sometimes, the guy who knew just how to lighten the mood.
I can still hear your voice at the dinner table saying to my mom, "Butterball, aren´t you forgetting something?" And she´d roll her eyes, frustrated, "What now, John?" And with that classic smirk you'd say, "Your booster seat!" It was those simple, silly moments that bonded us-little moments that told you all you needed to know: you were seen and loved.
And I´ll never forget being called "Slim Jim." One day I fired back, "Yeah? Beef jerky?" you laughed. Humor was your language of love.
This moment changed my life. I was 21 and about to drive with my best friend to Florida-during one of the biggest snowstorms New Jersey had ever seen. Below is a photo of that exact day I left home for good. You were shoveling your car out of 20+inches of snow. A few weeks before I left, you pulled me aside-again, not many words, but powerful ones. You said, "Don´t worry about us. I´ll take care of your mom. Go live your life." And that was it. That was the first time in my life I felt truly FREE-to be me, to live, to choose. That gift? That saved me in more ways than I can truly articulate here.
Every Thanksgiving you would make the turkey and freeze the best parts aside for your yearly famous soup. The same year of that snow storm I had the flu really bad. You made a batch of your special soup which I am not sure it broke my fever of 102, but it filled my stomach reminding my heart that I was loved and cared for. I think that's what really healed me. Every Christmas no matter what we had a full live tree to the ceiling, It was a tradition. that I looked forward to.
I was making a surprise trip to NJ from FL and asked you to not tell my Mom, I wanted it to be a surprise. You endured a full day of my Mom's persistent nagging to tell her what was going on. You kept your promise and never said a word. Thank you for that!
Below is a photo of when I had arrived from the long drive. Then 4 yrs ago I was working towards my EMT Cert and then my physical ability test so I could start the Fire Academy. I passed the exam twice! When I shared this goal you were in full support and surprised me with your badge off of your Uniform pictured below, so that I could place it on my own some day. What an honor and gift!
Thank you for treating me like a daughter and giving me the opportunity to have this experience my heart had missed with my own biological father and was fulfilled through you. God blessed me with two fathers and I couldn't be more grateful. Beloved Stepfather, Thank you for being a part of my life and for loving me as one of your own. Until our souls meet again, may you enjoy your blissful love and peaceful time in Heaven. I Love you!
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MAL
August 9, 2025
You were there from the beginning. (Wedding photo from 1983) I respected you and your work ethic. We had some "interesting" and entertaining times together. Your children, and your extended family,
lost a good man. We all had our struggles & reasons for going down
the path we did. May you rest in peace.
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