John E. Ledbetter Jr.

John was an incredible person who touched the lives of many people with his laugh and his smile and-his caring heart.

John Edward Ledbetter, Jr., affectionately known as a "West Side legend," peacefully departed this life in his sleep on September 10, 2025, at the age of 60.

Born on December 11, 1964, in Trenton, New Jersey, John was the beloved soh of the late John Edward Ledbetter, Sr. and Gussie Mae Ledbeitter. He grew up with a close-knit family, sharing a lifelong bond with family and friends.

John was educated in the Trenton and Ewing Township Public Schools and graduated from Ewing High School. Following high school, he attended Mercer County Community College before proudly enlisting in the United States Army. John rose to the rank of Drill Sergeant, leading with discipline and compassion and received an hohorable discharge.

Upon returning home to Trenton, John worked with Mercer ARC before beginning a cjistinguished 23-year career with the New Jersey Department of Corrections, where he retired in 2013. He was selected to serve as a member of MERT (Mercer Emergency Response Team). He was also a proud member of B.O.L.E.S. (Brothers Officers Law Enforcement Society). Colleagues and inmates described him as encouraging, f-air, and someone who treated others with respect both inside and outside the correctional facility.

John's greatest pride v.vas his family. From his union with Kesha, he was blessed with loving daughters Jenise and Aniqua . He never missed an opportunity to cheer Jenise on as she played
basketball through high school and college. He was also blessed with two cherished granddaughters, Kyrasi and Kejani., and his love for his daughters and granddaughters was evident to all who knew him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was a man of many passions. Basketball was his first love-he played in high school, with the J.T. Coy Associates basketball team, and later coached youth in Trenton, passing on his knowledge and love of the game to younger generations. He was also an avid birdwatcher, a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and someone who enjoyed history and staying informed on current social issues.

John was a longtime member of Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries, where he found strength and community. Known for his outgoing spirit, sense of humor, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, he was a friend to many and a true pillar of the greater Trenton community.

Predecease in death by his parents, John leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Jenise (Kirk) Cuthbertson and Aniqua Younger; granddaughters, Kyrasi and Kejani; his sister, Pamela Ledbetter Riley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and colleagues who will deeply miss him.

John Edward Ledbetter, Jr. lived a life of service, love, and laughter. His legacy will live on through his family, the many young people he mentored, and all those who were blessed to know him.

Funeral service will be 12pm Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries Church, 1217 Rev. S. Howard Woodson Jr. Way, Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 10am until time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.