John Joseph Nelis, Jr, 65, died peacefully surrounded by family September 14, 2017. John was the son of Mary and John Nelis, brother of Maureen, Thomas (Cindy), Donna (Lin), Eileen, Diane, Joseph, Patricia (Bill), Mariellen (Guy). John is survived by many nieces and nephews and his Aunts Mary Louise Ferry, Patricia Hynes and Cathy (Frank) Pfeiffer.

John graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School '70 and attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He was a socially active young man with a love for music and snappy clothes and a developing interest in visual art when he was tragically injured in a car accident April, 1972. After 17 months in a coma, John came home to his family where he was lovingly cared for over the next 25 years before moving to Holy Angels. John had a million dollar smile, a listening heart and a joy for life that brightened the many lives he touched.

The family wishes to express gratitude to their extended family, many friends, and health care providers, including the dedicated Holy Angels Oakcrest staff, Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte, Drs. T. Kocak (dec.), J.L. Garvey (dec.), R. Crouch, C.E. Fisher and R. Meredith, who loved and cared for John.

The family is indebted to Frs. Anthony Kovacic (dec.) and Frank O'Rourke for their kindness and ministry to John over many years.

John is preceded in death by his dad, grandparents, Aunts Sr. Francis de Sales, SSJ (Peg) and Sr. Mary Josephine, RSM (Jodie) and his niece, Siobhan.

The following services will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Prayer service followed by visitation with the family, Tuesday, Sept 18th 6:30-8:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, September 20th 11 AM followed by a reception at the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to: Warrior Angel Foundation U.S. Military Traumatic Brain Injury treatment - waftbi.org, The Heart of Camden - heartofcamden.org. Online condolences may be made at www.tallentfuneralservice.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Nelis

26 Entries

Joseph G Nelis

September 14, 2021

Johnny, I sure do miss you!

Joseph G Nelis

September 14, 2021

I miss you dearly Johnny!!

Bonnie (Edwards)Morris

September 13, 2021

I was one of the many caregivers that knew John before he passed away. I administered his meds at Holy Angels. Most of the time he was a gentleman, but sometimes his mischievous side would come out, and he could be sassy!! I really loved him and loved caring for him. I'll never forget him. Blessings to his family.

cathleen pfeiffer

September 14, 2019

Have just attended a Mass for John at Sacred Heart in Camden NJ...Its John's 2nd anniversary of his passing from this life on earth...Father Michael Doyle was well enough to say this beautiful Mass. He asked if I would let the other attendees know about young John & his life and his connection to Sr. Peg-- I remembered Peg was his godmother before she became a St. Joseph nun. He was a great nephew to us Hynes sisters and certainly well loved by his entire big family...Fr. Michael said those remembrances were special just as special as John was!! Love you always Johnny...A.Cathy

Pat Hynes

September 26, 2017

Johnie was a sweet baby, a great big brother to his 8 younger siblings, a loving, gentle young man. When he was severely injured at age 19, he was cared for with remarkable devotion by his parents and then his siblings. John brought out the very best in all of them---unselfish love and devotion. That is John's legacy. God bless you, Johnie. I am glad you are "free at last"!
Love always. Aunt Pat

Cathy Pfeiffer

September 23, 2017

Johnny had a happy childhood, full of life & love, when he was tragically injured, his family bonded around him with care & devotion for over 4 decades, the Nelis clan was remarkable! God Bless them! Johnny possessed a great smile all his life, may his smile light up heaven. May his rewards in heaven be great because he has Earned them! Love you forever, A.Cathy, U.Frank and clan

September 23, 2017

From the time Johnny was born, we enjoyed his childhood full of life & love. When he was tragically injured, his family bonded around him, with care & devotion for four decades, the Nelis clan is remarkable! Johnny possessed a great smile all his life, may his smile light up heaven! He will enjoy his rewards in heaven--he has earned them! love you forever, A.Cathy & U.Frank & clan

September 23, 2017

From the time Johnny was born, our family enjoyed his happy childhood, filled with love. When he was tragically injured at 19, his family bonded around him, filling his life with love & devotion for 4 decades, a remarkable clan...Johnny possessed a great smile all his life, may his smile light up heaven...May you enjoy your rewards in heaven, Johnny, you have earned them! Love you forever, A.Cathy & U. Frank & clan

September 21, 2017

Our thoughts payers are with you and your family Joe

Marianne Reuss Prophet

September 20, 2017

To the Nelis family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember as a young child praying at St. Anns School for John immediately after the accident. May God give you all HIS strength and love. My family is lifting you up....

Mark Gordon, MD

September 19, 2017

The loss of a loved one is a heart felt sadness which has inspired you to think of those who are living on a fine line of existence having placed their lives on the line for the rest of us at home. I know John Joseph Nelis must have enjoyed the freedoms that we all do because of our heroes commitment to protect us. Your giving to WAF in light of your recent loss will be in HIS book for all times. Thanks you and my sincere condolences. Millennium-WAF TBI Project.

Andrew Marr

September 19, 2017

My name is Andrew Marr, the co-founder of Warrior Angels Foundation. The in memory donations for John will be given to support others in dire need, to RESTORE life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. His memory will forever live on, and we are eternally grateful.

Katherine Grimard

September 19, 2017

My love and thoughts to John's family. I had the pleasure of getting to know him during my 6 moths at Holy Angels. He will be missed.

Bonnie Edwards

September 19, 2017

John was very much loved by those of us who cared for him at Holy Angels. I loved his smile, bright eyes and sense of humor. I pray God's blessing and grace over his family.

Bonnie Edwards

September 19, 2017

John was very much loved by those of us who cared for him at Holy Angels. I loved his smile, bright eyes and sense of humor. I pray God's blessing and grace over his family.

Cathey Hamm

September 18, 2017

I was blessed for so many years to know and be a friend to this beautiful soul. We will all miss his smile, laugh, and sweet kisses on your hand for a lady.Prayers go out to his whole family,from all of us. We miss and love you Papa John.

Michael Weeks

September 18, 2017

God Bless John and the family. You did an extraordinary job loving and caring for him and that's the way it should be. I never had the pleasure to meet John but I've known Joe for years and I have a 25 year old autistic son so I can somewhat understand the dedication involved. Your family are all heroes and I know what it's like to dedicate your life to caring for a loved one with a disability. As fate would have it, my son's caretaker also graduated from CHS in 1970 and remembers him.

Lisa Martin

September 18, 2017

It was an honor to be apart of John's life for so many years he will be deeply missed he was one of a kind I know he is in heaven smiling and snapping you will always be close to my heart

Lisa Martin

September 18, 2017

It was an honor to be apart of John's life for so many years you be so deeply missed you were one of a kind but I know your in heaven smiling and snapping away you will always be close to my heart

Brenda Barker, Health Care Tech

September 18, 2017

Oakcrest will NEVER be the same without our precious John....my deepest and most sincere condolences to the Nelis family. John was such a wonderful presence in our lives and he will never be forgotten.

September 18, 2017

He heals the brokenhearted;He binds up their wounds. Ps.147:3

Cassandra Houston

September 18, 2017

John gave freely his smiles, always brighten my day when I would see him at Holy Angels. I will miss him, will forever remember him in my heart! Heaven has gained another sweet Angel.

JE Jackson

September 18, 2017

Johns kind and joyous presence will not be forgotten. He is resting in Gods memory. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Terry Johnson

September 17, 2017

He sure was a light in this world.
My prayers for peace for you Eileen, and the whole wonderful family.

Babs Coira Newton

September 17, 2017

John brought new excitement to Charlotte Catholic High when his family moved to Charlotte in the late 1960's. He was one of my favorite CCHS guys and joined my friends and me for a cruise around the Shoney's drive-in on Morehead. He was always so refreshing with his humor and laughter. He will forever be a huge part of my memories of high school. Love to the Nelis family.

Tom and Sara Masters

September 17, 2017

Many heartfelt prayers and healing energy to all the Nelis family.

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