John Edward Dixon

Mr. Dixon, a 1955 graduate of Haverford College, was employed by The Gallup Organization of Princeton from 1955-1966 in the field of market, option, and political research as Field Director, Study Director and Vice President.

In 1966 he joined the United States Information Agency, serving in Washington, New Delhi, Saigon and Peshawar. During his USIA career, he conducted media and opinion studies, headed the Agency’s EEO investigations and ended in overseas cultural and information activities. Following his assignment in Peshawar where he assisted the international press coverage of drug-related activities in that area and the war in nearby Afghanistan, he received the Agency’s Superior Honor Award. He retired in 1990.

He then returned to Peshawar where he served first as Coordinator for the USAID-supported Narcotics Awareness Center for Afghanis in 1990-91 and then as Director of the International Rescue Committee’s Afghan refugee relief office between 1993-95.

In retirement, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University and as an advisor to the Afghan Media Resource Center and the Development and Ability Organization (People with Disabilities), both in Kabul. On several occasions, he acted as Director for the State Department-supported, American Institute of Afghanistan Studies, also in Kabul.

A native of Montgomery Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, Mr. Dixon served on its Board of Education from 1963-66 and its Planning Board from 1964-66. He was a founding trustee of The Van Harlingen Historical Society in that community. His interests included reading, travel and the arts, especially music.

Mr. Dixon is survived by four children, Eliza (Zelen Savich) of Los Angeles, Katherine (Dan Wilkinson) of Raleigh, Edward (Elena) of Savannah, and Benjamin (Belinda Gaynor) of London; five grandchildren, Shannon, Cassandra and Noah Dixon, Carolyn and Nicholas Savich: a sister, Peggy Richardson of Princeton and a brother, Frederick of Norfolk. His wife, Elizabeth Musser Dixon, from whom he was separated, died in 2019. His late parents were John E. and Carolyn Davis Dixon.

His ashes will be buried in the Dixon family plot at the cemetery of The Harlingen Church, Belle Mead, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to the International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd St., New York, New York 10168-1289.