Charles John Wilfred Axford II

June 7, 1950 – September 6, 2026

Charles John Wilfred Axford II, known to all as John and to a lucky few as “Uncle Johnny,” passed away on September 6, 2026, at his home in Haddonfield, NJ. He was a Navy veteran, a police officer, a firefighter, a photographer, and, above all, the man who could make an entire room laugh.

Born on June 7, 1950, to Wilfred and Kathryn “Kitty” Axford (nee Dorn), John lived a life defined by service to others. He served honorably in the United States Navy for several years before returning home to serve the community of Voorhees Township as a police officer, a career he devoted himself to until his retirement. He also served with the Haddonfield Ambulance Association and was a long-time member of the Haddonfield Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as Assistant Chief and made many lifelong friends.

Somewhere along the way, John picked up a camera, and it rarely left his hands again. He became a well-known fire photographer throughout the Delaware Valley, documenting the work of first responders with an insider's understanding and an artist's eye, and he served as an Official Photographer for Camden County. In retirement, his love of photography only deepened. He and his beloved partner, Marie, spent many happy hours together along the waterfront, watching and photographing the cargo ships making their way into the Port of Philadelphia.

Those who knew John will remember him as the family comedian and resident troublemaker, a devoted Eagles fan, the teller of the world's most entertaining stories, and a man who never met a straight face he couldn't crack. At home, he doted on his beloved cat, Flora, and tended his tropical fish.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Kitty and Will Axford. He is survived by his partner, Marie Fredella; his sister, Judy Cox (John); his niece and nephews, Kristen Cox Mehling (Kyle), Gregory Cox (Christine), and Michael Cox (Elora); his grand-nieces Athena, Sophia, Georgia, and Delaney; his grand-nephew Pascal; and many, many dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation 9:30 to 11 AM on Friday, September 11th at Jackson Funeral Home, 308 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township, NJ, where Funeral services will begin at 11 AM. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill NJ. For those who wish to honor John’s memory, the family suggests donations to the Haddonfield Volunteer Fire Company, 15 North Haddon Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 or Voorhees Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. Arrangements by Jackson Funeral Home, Haddon Township, NJ www.jacksonfh.net