John William McGauley

John “Bud” McGauley, age 71, passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on July 4, 2026, with his wife Judy and granddaughter Maddison by his side.

Bud was born at Mercy Hospital in Jackson, MI on December 27, 1954. He was a man whose life was defined by a generous spirit, an immense love for his family, and a genuine warmth toward everyone he crossed paths with. He never met a stranger; he would gladly chat with and become friends with anyone and everyone he met. He was well known for his distinct sense of fashion, always wearing his signature bib overalls and almost always…a John Deere hat, and most importantly; for his genuine, catchy smile that could light up any room.

Bud spent many years on the road as a truck driver, a career from which he later retired, exemplifying a lifetime of dedicated hard work. In his downtime, he could often be found outdoors, whether he was heading out for a camping trip, spending time with the people he cared about most, working on his beloved John Deere tractor, and sometimes you could even catch him simply enjoying the day sitting in his “working chair.” He absolutely loved his tractor and was always using it for something, whether he was mowing the lawn, hauling wood, or clearing snow from their driveway, as well as those of his neighbors and his father-in-law, Gale.

While his friends knew him as Bud, his absolute favorite title was “Pa”, a name proudly given to him by his granddaughters, Miranda, Maddison, and Riley, and his great- grandchildren, Virginia and Lincoln. They truly were the absolute loves of his life, and nothing brought him greater joy than being their Pa.

Bud was also an amazing chef who mastered the art of smoking meats. He found immense joy in cooking and serving others, always making sure everyone was well-fed. He loved hosting cookouts at home for his friends, neighbors, and family; it didn’t need to be a special occasion, as he routinely made ordinary days feel like special occasions just to have a cookout. Whether he was manning the grill at home, at his brother’s house parties, catering friends’ weddings, or celebrating milestones at graduation parties, Bud’s hospitality and delicious food were the heart of every celebration.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his children, Jen, and Gale (Katie); his beloved granddaughters, Miranda (Cougar), Maddison, and Riley; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Virginia and Lincoln. Sharing in his legacy of love and family are his dear brother Joe and sister-in-law Kay; his brother Jim and sister-in-law Diana; his father-in- law, Gale; and his brother-in-law, Louie; as well as several loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends he made throughout his life who truly became family.

Bud was preceded in death by his father, Jim McGauley; his mother, Joan (Hughes); his sister, Rebecca (Susie); his loving mother-in-law, Virginia; and his great-granddaughter, Royalty.

To celebrate Bud’s life, a visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 PM at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI 49203.

In lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate donations made to The Hanover and Horton fire stations in Bud’s memory.

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