John D. “JD” DeWitt
Age 84, passed away April 11, 2022. He was born November 14, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, to Leo and Mary DeWitt. JD was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Engineering. He owned J.D. DeWitt and Associates Consulting and was extremely proud to have worked as an independent contractor for General Motors. He also served as vice president of Planet Corporation and vice president of Hall Industrial. JD was a member of St. Mary Cathedral. He was an avid golfer, playing throughout the U.S. and Europe, and was a member of Walnut Hills Country Club. JD was an active member with the Salvation Army in Flint. He always greeted people with a smile and a firm handshake.
JD was preceded in death by his wives, Gladys (Mitchell) DeWitt and Sandra DeWitt; sons, Dennis John DeWitt and Mitchell John DeWitt, as well as 5 siblings. He is survived by his brother, Richard DeWitt, as well as nieces, Lori Campbell and Mary DeWitt, and special friend, Emiline Reifsnyder.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing. Private inurnment will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army in memory of JD DeWitt. Online condolences may be left at www.EstesLeadley.com.
30 Messages to “John D. “JD” DeWitt”
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Herb & Pat Jenneskens
April 13, 2022 at 6:30 pmI had the absolute pleasure of meeting JD at the Phoenix VA Northwest Clinic over 3 years ago.
What a fantastic man, so full of life, a most caring individual and a person who never met a stranger.
My wife Pat and I fell in love with JD because of the person he was. She describes him as the sweetest man she’s ever met.
He will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched. We are all truly blessed to count JD as a friend.
Rest in peace, Dear Friend. We love you.
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 13, 2022 at 7:31 pmPat and Herb:
JD felt exactly the same about you too.
Thanks Em.
john haddad
April 13, 2022 at 10:39 pmmet John only once when he and aunt Em were in las vegas. he falls directly into the category that any one would put him in. The nicest guy I ever met. I feel deprived for not having been able to spend more time with him.
Aunt Em
April 14, 2022 at 9:12 amSo happy we had lunch. He truly loved my family
Greg and Colleen Ellis
April 14, 2022 at 12:59 amI knew JD when he would play in the Member-Guest at the Country Club of Lansing back in the 1970’s and then we became reacquainted several years ago when we played a round of golf out here in Arizona. Then we had a chance to spend more time visiting when Aunt Em told me about John. I told her I look forward to meeting him (because I never knew him by anything but JD) They were here in Arizona and we went to dinner one night so I could “meet John”. We went to his home and when he answered the door, right away I said JD and we had quite the laugh. He was a lot of fun and we will miss him. In your honor, JD, I will have a cigar and a shot of Arak.
Enjoy the Golf in Heaven.
Greg and Colleen Ellis
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 14, 2022 at 9:16 amOh Greg, how tearfully sweet. Wish you were here. Obit on Estes Leadley website
David Haddad
April 14, 2022 at 12:48 pmI met John only once. I remember his friendly smile, and the happiness he brought to Aunt Em.
They looked great together, especially on the dance floor. As I watched, I thought of them as being a picture of grace and joy.
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 20, 2022 at 7:09 pmDavid: so happy to hear from you. Call me at 527-285-9046
We have some catching up to do.
Love, Aunt Em
Aunt Em
April 20, 2022 at 7:11 pm517 285 9046
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 20, 2022 at 7:15 pmLet’s talk soon.
KATHLEEN WRIGHT
April 14, 2022 at 2:28 pmI never had the pleasure to meet the gentleman, who was bringing such joy and laughter to my Aunt Emiline’s life! J.D., I know that you “kids” lived, played, laughed and traveled! Oh my! And danced together! I loved the videos on Facebook, as I was always laughing and wishing I could busta move!! Rest in peace.
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 20, 2022 at 7:14 pmKathy, we will talk soon.
Bill Nemanis
April 14, 2022 at 5:59 pmJ.D. and I worked together for the better part of ten years at Plant 6 in Lansing. We were part of forming the first ever “conveyor task force” in Lansing handling many conveyor related problems and projects. We worked well together sharing the same work ethic while enjoying the challenges that came our way. I’m sorry to say that I will miss his funeral service as I am in Florida. Be assured that his memory is now and will always be with me. My wife Pam and I send our most sincere condolences along with prayers for peace and comfort to his entire family. God speed J.D.
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 28, 2022 at 6:40 pmThank you so much for your comments.
Emiline Reifsnyder
Emiline Reifsnyder
April 28, 2022 at 6:44 pmYour comments and memories are sincerely appreciated.
Emiline Reifsnyder
Pam Ogle
April 14, 2022 at 9:23 pmAs sad as I am about John’s passing, I rejoice along with you that he now has the eternal victory he lived his life for. I remember John calling to tell Artie he would be right behind him…and he was…exactly one week later he joined him in Heaven. John was a blessed treasure in your life, Em.
Rick & Gerri Gouthro
April 15, 2022 at 3:29 pmJD was one of the finest men I have ever met. His ability to become everyone’s friend was evident in his mass circle of friends. I was fortunate to golf with JCD over the years at Walnut Hills and JD would always stop our office to chat or purchase something special for Emiline. JD always had a story to share and always left Gerri & I smiling after his visits. We will miss those visits but we know he has larerady set up tee times in heaven! May he Rest In Peace.
Barbara Haddad
April 15, 2022 at 6:04 pmWe first met J.D. when he and Aunt Em came out to California. The next time we saw him was about a couple of years later at a wedding. Barb immediately re-introduced herself to him. His eyes lit up, and he said, “We sure had a good time in California, didn’t we!?” At any event we saw him, he made time to talk with us, to catch up on what we were doing. We will always remember that, as well as his enthusiasm and joy. It was clear he loved to dance, as well as everyone he met. Aunt Em commented to me that he always made her laugh. We are glad for that, and for Aunt Em sharing him with us.
RIP, John, you will be missed.
Love,
Barb & George
Sara Morrison
April 16, 2022 at 1:57 amUncle John, the world was a better place with you in it. A Man of deep Faith, love and kindness, you shared your love of God in all your actions. We will miss you and cherish our memories! Emiline, we are sending you hugs!
Cris and Sara Morrison
Linda and Don Telles
April 16, 2022 at 11:45 pmEmmie lived next door to me. John was there most of the time and we loved to have happy hour on our deck. We visited with him and Emmie in Arizona and he showed us around. I missed them both, so much, when they moved to Independence Village, but I could tell they both loved the social life and were happy.
John was a sweet man and he will be missed.
He introduced me to the French martini and I will be forever grateful for knowing him.
Marla Adams
April 17, 2022 at 12:08 pmJohn, I shall miss you and all your thoughtfulness. You never missed a holiday sending the most beautiful cards. I shall miss you calls just to check on me. I was so shocked to learn of your passing. I went on FB to send you a picture of your brother, Denny, at South only to see the memorial. You were always one of the best men that I have known. You and ‘Em were such a special couple. Rest In Peace my dear friend. Hug Bob for me.
Meng and Jean Tan
April 17, 2022 at 3:25 pmWe have all lost a truly remarkable and loving friend in JD. He showed us daily how much he cared for his friends by constantly doing both little and big acts of kindness. We shall miss him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Nancy Domagalski
April 21, 2022 at 4:15 pmDr. Tan, I hope your wife is recovering well.
Nancy Domagalski
Todd Schorer
April 17, 2022 at 4:46 pmThere are many memories I have of JD. Many having to do with golf. I was able to caddie for JD in the 85 pro am at The Buick Open to playing golf with him at Walnut and competing against JD in the annual invitational at Walnut with my dad.
After my first daughter was born we met for breakfast with his wife Sandra. He was a great man!
Tammie E Baldwin
April 18, 2022 at 4:20 pmDear JD…
I met you almost 4 months ago. What a gentleman jack you were! I have a heart for you and Meme. I will help her the best way I know how. I truly enjoyed serving you at IVEL. I know you are walking on streets of gold now. Until I see you again Sir. God Bless.
Keith & Paula Hein, Diane Martin & Cord Martin
April 19, 2022 at 11:25 amFor as long as we can remember, John DeWitt was in our lives. He became a trusted and valued member of the De Vries family. He always lit up a room with his smile, a funny story or a fond memory. Thank you Uncle John for your special gift of love. Until we meet again, rest well…..
Kip K. Coco
April 19, 2022 at 10:52 pmUncle John was not a blood uncle, but the kind of uncle you get honored with when your parents are so close to a friend, you feel special to call them that. JD was that kind of special. We first met at my brother and sister’s high school graduation in 1975. By 1976, as a young “east coast greaser”, I was taking a trip from East Lansing to the “Wild West”. Uncle John introduced me to many things that trip; Roy Rodgers & Dale Evans, The Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Royal Gorge, the Air Force Academy, smoking cigars, Big Boy Restaurants, and how to read a map. He tried to teach me to eat “runny eggs” – that never happened, but I will eat some in his honor the next Waffle House, IHOP, or Denny’s while on a road trip. He was a top flight golfer, who helped me play smarter, which in turn made me play better. We spoke to each other after almost every MSU/Purdue football game. We shared a lot of great memories. He will always be remembered to me as Uncle John. Emaline brought him so much joy . She kept him sane and kept him positive for many, many years. I only met “Em” a couple of times. We always kidded Uncle John that he had “out-kicked his coverage” with her. That was undoubtedly true. Uncle John was one of the true “great guys”. He’d help you move, build a deck, partner a game of euchre, wash a car, take things to those less fortunate, tell a funny joke, laugh at a joke that wasn’t funny, give you great advice, tell you you were full of shit when you were, and make you feel like the most important person in the world. God got another good one when he called for Uncle John’s heavenly tee time. Thank you Emaline for being part of our family and letting Uncle John stay part of ours. All Cocos.
Sheri Wade
April 27, 2022 at 8:38 pmIt is with deep sadness in my heart to hear this evening of JD’s passing. I only knew him for a short while but I enjoyed every moment we talked. He was a kind man with a big heart. I am saddened I didn’t know until tonight of his passing, I would have paid my last respects to this wonderful man. God’s blessings to his family and to my beautiful friend Em. May he Rest In Peace.
Dick Fitton
April 28, 2022 at 8:46 amI was so surprised to hear of JD’s passing—I enjoyed many rounds of golf at Walnut Hills with him. He was ALWAYS someone I enjoyed being around. We always had a laugh about the fact he introduced me to a drink called a “transfusion “—vodka and cranberry juice—-I enjoyed our many phone calls the last few years and our attempts to get together in Arizona in Sun City—also worked with him thru GM—RIP JD—next cigar and transfusion is for you
Dan Hammel
September 10, 2022 at 12:14 pmJD was a great man and friend to Anne and I. JD was our neighbor at Corte Bella for many years. We enjoyed his stories and humor on and off the golf course. JD and Sandy invited us to The Masters in 2010. A high light of our lives.
Rest in Peace dear friend. You’re an inspiration to our family