John D “J.D.” Littlejohn, 84, a lifelong resident of Lakefield Twp., died at his home on Wed, Jul 27, 2016 surrounded by his family and under the care of Northwood’s Home Health and Hospice.
Born in Lakefield Twp. At the Gage and Downing Logging Camp on Jun 5, 1932, he was a son of the late Thomas “Jess” and Ida E (Taylor) Littlejohn. He was brought into this world by Sadie Scott and his grandmother Ida Taylor. He didn’t see a Dr. until he was 10 days old. John was a lifelong resident of Lakefield Twp., was educated in the Lakefield School and graduated from Newberry High School in the class of 1951. After high school, J.D. enlisted in the Navy as a See Bee and served our country in Guam and Japan from 1952 until 1956. He returned to his Aunt’s house in Lakefield Twp. Following the service and on Aug 20, 1957 he married Ann Stampfler.
J.D. was involved in numerous local activities. He served as the last president of the Lakefield Twp School Board, was a member of McMillan Lodge #400 of Free & Accepted Masons, a past Master of the Lodge, and was Mason of the year in 1981. J.D. was also a life member of the McMillan United Methodist Church.
His hobbies included making 310 child rocking chairs from Cherry he had harvested off his property. He and his wife Ann made blue jean comforters for graduating seniors and charities. He enjoyed brook trout fishing and had a yearly contest with his good friend Richard Dahn., keeping score of the number of birds shot during the season.
J.D. was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic working for his cousin Julian Taylor, and finally retiring from Louisiana Pacific as a mechanic. In 1997, he and his wife Ann took a “dream cruise” to Alaska and later he joined on the 9th honor flight to Washington DC accompanied by his son Douglas. During his lifetime he built 2 houses, both in Lakefield Twp. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Donald and Robert Littlejohn.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ann of Lakefield Twp, sons, Douglas (Lou) and David all of Newberry and daughter, Patty Miszewski of Cedar Springs. Grandchildren, Douglas Jr (Kaleena), Tara Ann, Patrick John, Emily Ann, and Patricia Rose; and 1 great grandson, Drake Michael Douglas.
Cremation services have already been accorded. The family will gather at 1 pm on Wed, Aug 3 at the McMillan United Methodist Church in McMillan. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Wed, Aug 3, 2016 at 2 pm at the McMillan United Methodist Church with Pastor Ian McDonald officiating. Inurnment with Masonic Rites will take place in East Lakefield Twp Cemetery following the ervices.
The family suggest memorials may be sent to the McMillan United Methodist Church or Northwood’s Home Health and Hospice.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family with their arrangements.