John Nolen

John M. Nolen

San Jose Native

May 9, 1949 - Oct. 28, 2010

John passed peacefully at home with his wife and daughter at his side after losing his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was an avid sailor, builder, gardener, outdoorsman, traveler, reader, hobbyist and most of all, a loving husband and father.

An expert on many things, John was well-versed and loved to help others with their projects. He attended Del Mar High School and San Jose State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

For 38 years he worked for Campbell Union High School District, retiring as Director of Support Services, continuing to work part-time after early retirement in 2008. John was extremely proud of recent projects on district campuses including new theaters and cafeteria renovations.

John loved the water and water activities, spending many vacation hours at Lake Tahoe, Monterey and Maui.

His wife and daughter were his life - he adored youth activities with Kate as she grew up and was most proud to attend her graduation from UC Davis in June, 2010. He was always Joan's best friend.

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joan Nolen, his daughter, Kate Nolen, his mother, Mary Nolen, his sister, Jeanie Shelton (Ron), his sister-in-law, Judy Rickard (Karin) and nieces Sydney and Stacey, a nephew, John, and numerous cousins and their families. John was preceded in death by his father, Everett Nolen.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held Sunday, November 21, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Del Mar High School Cafeteria, 1224 Del Mar Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128.

If you wish to honor John, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the John M. Nolen Scholarship Fund, Campbell Union High School District, 3235 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124, or Central Asia Institute (Greg Mortensen's Three Cups of Tea), P.O. Box 7209, Bozeman, Montana 59771, or a charity of your choice.