John Paul Nelson Ii

FUNERAL HOME

Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home - East Louisville

12900 Shelbyville Road

Louisville, Kentucky

John Nelson Obituary

John Paul Nelson, II

Louisville - John Paul Nelson II, 53, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2020. Son of John Paul Nelson and Gwen Tarry Nelson, he lived a life focused on his family, his garden, music, and friends. He was definitely a life-long learner and avid reader.

John was born in Lexington, Kentucky on July 23, 1967. Shortly after his birth, the Nelson family moved to Louisville, Kentucky. In 1973 the family moved to Frankfort, Kentucky and remained there until 1981 when they once again moved to Louisville. John graduated from Eastern High School as a National Merit Program Finalist and attended the University of Louisville on a full scholarship. John was a member of the TKE fraternity while at U of L. He received his Jurus Doctor degree from the University of Virginia. He began his law career in Chicago and moved back to Louisville in 1995. At the time of his death, he was an attorney at Whitford & Neuhauser PLLC, Louisville, Kentucky.

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, J.W. and LaVerne Nelson and McCoy and Martha Tarry and by his nephew, Jack McCafferty Morris. He is survived by his wife, Ashley Morrill Nelson; son, Zachary Ray Nelson and daughter, Hayley Ray Nelson; his parents, Gwen Tarry and John Paul Nelson; his sisters, Teri Rene' Nelson Herzog (Hans), Nannette Michele Nelson Hooker (Ken), Christie Gwen Nelson Morris (Matt), and Ann Caple Nethercot (Eric); and several nieces and nephews.

A private service was held on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Cave Hill Cemetery. At John's request, he was cremated. John also wanted his ashes scattered in four of his favorite places, beginning with Louisville the day of his service and later in Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C.; and the University of Virginia.

The family would like to thank the many friends who have visited, sent cards or made calls during the last few months. We would also like to thank Doctors Maly, Driscoll, and Marshall and all of the nurses who cared for him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been established in support of John's children, Zach and Hayley. www.GoFundMe.com/f/John-P-Nelson

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

Published by Courier-Journal from Sep. 30 to Oct. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Nelson

Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.

4 Entries

Dori Rosenthal

September 29, 2024

I was just in Louisville last week dealing with family matters and it panged my heart everytime I drove down Shelbyville Road past HBC thinking of being in John's Honda going to Oxmoor to see the latest Meryl Streep movie. I loved our movie/ lunch dates seeing "girl flicks" with John on a weekend afternoon. I loved his laugh, his smirk and the twinkle in his eye when he would prove me wrong. What a loss. Way too young. Love to his family always. Thanks for sharing John with us all.

Dori Rosenthal

January 5, 2021

I am just hearing of John's passing today. I am so shocked and heartbroken. I adored John. He was an amazing friend to me from our high school days and youth group at HBC. He drove like a maniac in high school. I always tell my kids about how he loved to scare me in his Honda. He was always the smartest person I knew, which he would always remind me. He had a wicked sense of humor, and devilish grin but the kindest heart on the planet. Always ready to help me out if I needed through the years. He loved his kids so much and was just over the moon about his beautiful wife. My heart breaks to think of them navigating a world without him. He definitely made the world better and we are at a loss without him. I send love to his family, ( he adored his sisters so much) and all of his friends. He will be so greatly missed. Thank you John. I love you buddy.

Denise Brown

December 14, 2020

John Paul Sr and Gwen I came across John Jr.’s obituary while looking for your address to send you a Christmas card. I’m so saddened to know that Johnny passed away. I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God will strengthen you and keep you and the family during this difficult time.
Love you!
Denise Brown

Shelby Wooldridge

September 30, 2020

To Johns Family.
I worked with John at Whitford and Neuhauser for the past 4 years. He was an excellent attorney and an even better friend. He loved joking around with the staff and always brought joy to the office. I am tremendously sorry for your loss. It’s truly a great man lost to soon.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results