John Daniel Wood

John was born May 2, 1989, in Decatur, Illinois, the beloved son of John Daniel Wood (deceased) and Sheryl L. Wood (nee Jemison) and brother to Stephanie Wood and Michelle Wood. He was the proud uncle of Katharine Jemison Polley and Henry John Polley.

Following his high school years in Mt. Zion, Illinois, John attended Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois, in their Culinary Arts Program. Upon completion of the program John was employed in several casual dining restaurants as a cook/chef.

During his life John resided in Decatur, Illinois; Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania; Mt. Zion, Illinois; Flemington, New Jersey; and Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Throughout his school years John was involved in sports, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. His claim to fame was the legendary walk-off grand slam he hit to win his local youth league championship when he was 12. Off the field he enjoyed being involved in the kitchen – researching and tweaking recipes and sharing food-talk with his sisters, his Grandma Betsy and his aunts. John was a talented artist who designed his own tattoos and made beautiful drawings. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Phillies, cooking competition shows, science and history, stand-up comedy, and so many movie genres (Harry Potter and Star Wars in particular).

John had at his fingertips a huge store of trivia – whether it be science, movies, sports, history, or cooking. He loved to engage in conversation and lively debate with family and friends. We will remember John for his sly grin, his sharp wit, and his willingness to keep you company chatting about anything and everything. John was a lot like his dad, an armchair expert in every topic under the sun. He was eager to share his knowledge and trade theories. If you wanted to ask him about a show or movie he had almost always seen it and usually had an opinion. He would make you laugh by quoting the best lines when you least expected it. He created amazing dishes and baked tons of treats, and he could make the biggest mess in the kitchen that you’ve ever seen.

John is survived by his mother, Sheryl Wood, his sisters: Stephanie Wood, Michelle Wood; brother-in-law Chris Polley, niece Katie Polley, nephew Henry Polley, grandfather David M. Axmear, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his father, John was predeceased by grandparents: Betsy Axmear and Carl, Joanne and Gelene Jemison.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to make a contribution in John’s name to one of the following organizations:

Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN.ORG or mail checks to AHTN, PO Box 184, Fairless Hills, PA 19030)

or

Bucks County SPCA (buckscountyspca.org/donate/ or mail checks to PO Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931)

A Memorial Gathering for John will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056, followed by Words of Remembrance at 2:30 PM. Interment Private.