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Funeral services for Mr. John Wright Jetton, III, age 69, will be held at 11 am Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in the Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 am until service time on Wednesday. All services will follow the appropriate social distancing protocols, with face masks required, as set forth by the CDC and state of Tennessee.
John Wright Jetton, III, passed away in the quiet of the evening February 3, 2021. His sister, Mary Ann was able to be with him in spite of the pandemic, holding his hand through his final hours.
John, born May 7, 1951, a native of Trenton, TN, was the only son of Jack W. and Nell Jetton, who preceeded him in death. He leaves his sisters: Frances Jetton Bland, Murfreesboro,TN, Susan Jetton and Mary Ann Jetton Craft, brother in law: Larry Craft, all of San Antonio, TX.
John was born with Down Syndrome in a time when people with disabilities were often hidden, ignored, and forgotten. His Mother and Daddy became advocates for John, many children and families, and with help from others established the Gibson County Council for Retarded Children (respectfully, early 1950’s), and began working for equal education opportunities.
John attended and completed the Special Education program at Peabody High School, Trenton, TN. He continued to refer throughout his life to stories about “special ed school”, memories of his teachers and classmates.
John never met a stranger and was a familiar face in Trenton for the first fifty years of his life. He made regular trips for his Daddy’s surveying and construction company to the courthouse, bank, donut shop, greeting everyone he met along the way.
He loved all music, wrestling, karaoke, dogs, horses and horseback riding, police officers, old television shows, bowling, friends, and most of all his family. After his Daddy’s accident he became vital in helping both his Mother and Daddy, lifting his Dad’s wheelchair in and out of his truck, and often accompanying him to his office.
John was a member and faithful attendant of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
In 2001, John and his Mother moved to Murfreesboro, TN, where they were residents of Stones River Manor Assisted Living. There he received love and excellent care by the staff and management, with his sister Frances, just minutes away, to give them respite.
In 2008, John moved to San Antonio, TX, to live with his sister and brother in law, Mary Ann and Larry Craft. His nieces and their families were invaluable in helping care for him, keeping him entertained, and involved with their lives.
John was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio, where he was actively involved in the Special Friends of Trinity. He also was a member and participant in Best Friends Bowling League , Special Olympics San Antonio.
In addition to his sisters, John is survived by his aunts: Sylvia Jetton, Trenton, TN, Dorcas Waldrep, Spartanburg, SC, and uncle: Hubert Waldrep, Enoree, SC, his nieces and nephews: Julie Taylor Chambless and Steve Taylor, both of TN, Ginna Saunders Ballard (Dave), Abby Saunders Hughes (Brad), and Zach Saunders, all of San Antonio, many great nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved fiercely. John’s niece, Jennifer Taylor Jones preceeded him in death.
You, Trenton, laughed, cried, worshipped with, embraced, loved and helped everyday nurturing John to become the man he was. If you would like to send a gift in John’s memory, the family requests memorials be made to Special Friends, Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry, San Antonio, TX, 78212, or to the Down Syndrome Association of West Tennessee, P.O. Box 10685, Jackson, TN, 38308.
