It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of John C. Jex, Jr on Sunday, August 23, 2026 after a long summer spent in the hospital with several serious health issues.

John spent a beautiful nearly 14 years of marriage with his wife Tresa, especially enjoying summer travels to nearly every National Park within the contiguous United States. They also shared a deep love for Gettysburg National Military Park and worked on rebuilding most of the old fences that filled the city back in 1863, over many years. The work was backbreaking at times, but an incredibly worthwhile task that helped restore the battlefield to its original look.

He was the proud father of Tamara (Michael Mayrend) and Andy (Lora) and his grandchildren Zachary, Gabriella, Kate and Ryan were a perpetual source of delight and love for him.

John was an Eagle Scout and watching his grandchildren Zach and Gabby follow their own trail to becoming Eagle Scout’s, with the help of Tammy, brought constant joy to his life. Additionally, the annual trips he and Tresa took south usually included a stop in SC to visit Andy’s family and watching Kate and Ryan grow and flourish filled him with much contentment over the years.

John was a quiet man, filled with integrity, grit and a very strong sense of preservation that allowed him to hang on to life so long. He spent a lifetime serving the public in law enforcement, fire- fighting and security positions, never backing away from running towards a fire or police situation. 28 years he worked as a Public Safety Officer for Huntington Woods followed by 24 years part-time as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Oakland County.

He was heavily involved in the 1968 riots in Detroit as well as the famous Royal Oak Post Office incident in 1991. He served as the Treasurer for FOP Lodge 130 for over 30 years and was President for many years as well. He devoted thousands of hours involved in their activities. He worked as a Security Supervisor for the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings from 2004-2017, and got to travel with front office staff to several Play Off and World Series events.

John loved country music and spent many years dancing the two-step whenever he could find a partner who could keep up with him. He was famous for wearing cowboy boots and a Stetson hat when he wasn’t in uniform.

John served in the Army for four years and then the Army Reserves for close to 10 years. It was a tradition his father started before him and one he was honored to carry on.

Once the end of August came, you’d find John sitting in his chair every Saturday excited to watch his beloved Army Black Knights and Michigan Wolverines rule the grid iron and remind him of the sport he loved so much as a teen.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life during a memorial celebration on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the FOP 130 Lodge located at 2233 Burdette St, Ferndale, MI 48220 . Burial will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Ft Gratiot, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following organizations:

SCOUTING AMERICA,
https://Michiganscouting.org
John Jex Memorial Fund

MI-C.O.P.S.
Concerns of Police Survivors/Michigan Chapter
https://micops.org (in memory of John Jex)
Michigan Chapter

The space he leaves behind cannot be filled, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created will stay with all of us forever.