John T. Doris

MADISON - John Doris “JD” passed away at home on October 23, 2024, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He expressed a deep wish to spend his final days in the comfort of his beautiful home, embraced by those he loved most.

John was born on January 16, 1964, in Madison, Wis. The son of Tom and Cathie Doris, John grew up on the east side of Madison. He graduated from La Follette High School in 1982 and went on to obtain a degree in electronic engineering from the Wisconsin School of Electronics.  John’s professional path began at Bell-Atlantic, followed by key roles at the Madison Metropolitan School District, Wisconsin Supreme Court, Madison Gas and Electric and the Department of Workforce Development, where he provided critical support for IT infrastructure. His dedication and expertise earned him a position as an IT Consultant at the Department of Revenue. He completed his career as a supervisor for the Public Health Information Network at the Department of Health Services, where he was respected for his leadership and unwavering work ethic.

Beyond his professional achievements, John’s colleagues admired him for his kindness, quick wit, and the way he always made time to help others. During his time at the Department of Workforce Development, fate reunited him with the love of his life, Sally Jackson. Their journey together was marked by love, laughter, and a bond that grew stronger with each passing year. For 15 wonderful years, John and Sally built life-long friendships that felt like family. Together, they shared countless adventures, whether it was taking trips to Sturgis, Tennessee, New Orleans, Palm Springs, and St. Maarten, or riding their Harley down winding roads, making memories that will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew them.

John had a lifelong passion for working on cars, a love that began in high school and continued throughout his life. He spent several years as a dedicated member of the Kevin Koch pit crew for the Badger Midgets. Whether it was maintaining his family’s vehicles, including those of his wife and children, or restoring his late brother’s cherished 1973 Dodge Challenger, John found joy in every project. His skill and dedication to his craft were just one of the many ways he expressed his love and care for those around him. John’s love of music was another defining aspect of his life. As an online DJ, he found a creative outlet and a way to connect with listeners. He was also an avid outdoorsman who cherished the peace and camaraderie of hunting trips.

John had a deep love for sports and spent many years playing softball, notably with the Sun Devils in the Monona Softball League. He also dedicated his time to coaching, working with high school football teams in New Glarus/Monticello and guiding young players in Monona's Pee Wee program. John had a special passion for Badger Football and thoroughly enjoyed tailgates with cousins and friends.  He was also an avid outdoorsman who cherished the peace and camaraderie of hunting trips and ice fishing.

Family was at the heart of John’s life. His grandchildren fondly called him 'Grandpa John.' Whether it was sharing grandpa fist bumps, teaching them how to use a bow and arrow, or playfully teasing his grandsons-whom he lovingly nicknamed 'Buckshot'-John’s warmth and humor created memories that will be treasured for years to come

John was preceded in death by his father, Tom Doris; his brother, Jim Doris; and his beloved dog, Sadie.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Jackson; mother, Catherine Doris of Sun Prairie; sister, Christine (Chris) Henthorne of Lodi; step-daughter, Amber (Pete) Amundson of Eden Prairie, Minn.; step-daughter, Jazmin Jackson of Monona; step-son, Brooks Jackson of Deerfield; step-son, Jesse (Calli) Schneiter of South Carolina; adopted daughter, Kate Doris; his cherished grandchildren, Riley, Charleigh, Xavier, Archer, Dax, Charlotte, Penelope and Eleanor; his dogs, Hattie and Hydra; and many cousins and close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Goodman Center, Brass Works building, 214 Waubesa St., Madison, WI 53704 on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. There will be a short service of remembrance held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friends and family are invited to come together to share memories, support one another, and celebrate the life of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty touched the lives of so many.

The family wishes to thank Melissa from Agrace HospiceCare, and all the Agrace staff who helped to make John’s last days comfortable. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420