Michael J. Dixon

Michael James Dixon died January 13th, 2024 after an admirable 18-month battle with cancer. He was 72 years old. Mike was born December 25th, 1951 to Edward and Margaret (nee Murray) in Detroit, Michigan.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Sharon (nee Baisel), his grateful sons, Michael (Jessica), Thomas (Kelly), and Dan (Jesuit priest), his dear siblings, Sam (Pam), Margaret (Ed Kronk), Sue (Doug Halgren), and Judy (the late Jim Schneider), his adoring grandchildren, Grayson, Calvin, Reece, and Nolan, sisters-in-law Suzanne Mellon (the late Andrew), Judy Munoz (Pete), and Jane Kile (the late Lee), along with many other beloved family members and friends.
He was a Detroiter through and through, a graduate of Christ the King, University of Detroit Jesuit, and Wayne State University, and an avid supporter of all Detroit professional sports teams. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, founding Dixon Office Supply with his father Edward and sister Judy in 1976.
One of Mike's mantras was "wherever you go, there you are". His second career in project management was working for MWH Global, which led him through Manhattan, Kansas; New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana; and Calgary, Canada. At each stop, he would immerse himself in the local culture, eagerly sharing history and facts. He found meaning in his work, which ranged from improving Detroit water sewage to building bridges and dams with the US Army Corps of Engineers. In his final work years, he was employed by Booz Allen Hamilton working on projects throughout the Detroit area. On every project and in every place, he formed personal connections with his coworkers, whom he happily claimed as friends.
Out of all these places, Mike's favorite by far was his home on Norfolk Street in Birmingham, Michigan, where he cherished his roles as ever-present husband, father, "Papa," brother, and friend. He was a "man for others," taking a genuine interest in people: where you were from, what you were passionate about, who you were.
Mike had a great sense of humor. He laughed a lot, most of all at himself. He had a spectacular memory, recalling everything from obscure song lyrics from the 1960s to the names and personal details of acquaintances he had not seen in decades. He loved golfing, his weekly Wall Street Journal crossword puzzles, and fantasy sports especially when it involved his sons.
Mike was a faith-filled Catholic who had a special devotion to the Eucharist, which brought him peace. He believed that life was a gift from God and he was determined to live it to the fullest through relentless positivity, faith, hope, and love.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads) on Friday, January 19th from 4pm-6pm. They are also welcome to celebrate his life by attending his Funeral Mass at Holy Name Catholic Church (630 Harmon Street, Birmingham, MI, 48009) on Saturday, January 20th, at 11am. They may visit the church beginning at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to make a donation to the Midwest Jesuits or the University of Detroit Jesuit High School.