John M Ganton

John McGregor Ganton, of Jackson, Michigan and Key West, Florida, passed away at 83 years of age on Easter morning, April 5, 2026, surrounded by loving family.

John was born January, 29 ,1943 in Lansing, Michigan, and was the son of Mary (Crandall) and Mervin Ganton.

John’s humble beginnings started in Spring Arbor, MI. He was the youngest of four sons. John graduated from Western High School in 1961, and attended Spring Arbor University. He was passionate about basketball throughout his life, playing in the high school state final while at WHS, and with friends at the Jackson YMCA for many years. After high school, John was a car salesman at Ogle Bros. Chevrolet, where his love of Corvettes and muscle cars began. His father taught him how to plaster walls and ceilings and he became a general contractor, building houses before becoming owner/operator of Highland Home, Faith Haven, and then Countryside Retirement Community. He always was grateful for Mary and Mervin’s help in getting his start caring for seniors, which began in their home while he was a child. He loved planning, developing, and building, and was very proud of the continued growth and development of Countryside. Whenever complimented, he was always quick to give credit to the countless dedicated employees who lovingly cared for seniors over his 58 year career.

John is survived by his loving spouse of 33 years, Denise Zollweg Ganton. John is the proud father of Michelle (Darl) Schufeldt who preceded him in death, daughter Kimberly Wright, son John G. (Kristin) Ganton, and son Ryan Ganton. John was grandfather to Breanna (Bobby) Twitty, Megan (Sean) Lefere, Brandon (Jessica) White, Andrew (Chelsey) White, Kaelyn Wright, Gage Wright, Madaline Ganton, John O. Ganton, Kate Ganton, and Lily Ganton, and eight great grandchildren.

John will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and generosity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Watson Funeral Chapel – 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson.  Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church – 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson, at 11:30am with Visitation from 10:30am until the time of service. 

In lieu of flowers, John’s wishes were that donations be made to Jackson Community Foundation’s “Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund.” Grantmaking from this fund supports programs for healthy youth and healthy seniors in Jackson County.

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