John Dunham

04/04/1944 - 05/05/2025

John Chester Dunham, affectionately known by many as "John, Jack, or Hurricane Johnny," passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old.
John was born on April 4, 1944, in Caro, Michigan, to the late John and Gladys (Hutchinson) Dunham. He spent his early years farming on the family's 100-acre property, Dunham Farms, where he lived for 17 years before moving to Jackson, Michigan.
He worked as a machinist for many years at Clark Equipment and later retired from the Jackson County Road Commission, where he helped keep the community's roads clean and safe through road maintenance and snow plowing.
John was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and time spent at the cabin, especially playing euchre with his family. Known for his big personality and sense of humor, he was often the life of the party. He had a deep love for dogs, especially his German shepherds, Penny, Sammy, Nikki, his beagles, Pepper and Pistol, and his Brittany spaniel, Heidi.
A lifelong athlete, John enjoyed participating in many sports, including golf, bowling, baseball, and competitive pool. His passion for life and adventure was matched by his love for his family.
He is survived by his daughters, Christine Wheaton and Lori (Kevin) Miller; his beloved grandchildren, Cody Babcock, Brooke (James) Morgan, and Tayler (Nick) Schirmer; and great-grandchildren, Nora Schirmer, Roman Morgan, and Hudson Schirmer. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Barb) Dunham and Joyce Linabury; brother-in-law, Mark Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joann Kingsley, Janet (Richard) Schultz, and Rita Johnson; and the mother of his children, Nancy (Sipes) Dunham.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Lauer Family Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at 12:00 PM with Rev. David Goldsmith officiating.