John P. Sherman

MEREDITH --- John P. Sherman (July 6, 1939) passed away on December 29, 2024, from complications of prostate cancer. His wonderful parents were Thomas H. Sherman Jr. and Esther (Bjork) Sherman. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Jennifer.
John grew up in Meredith. During his school years, he was known as a musician. He won a New Hampshire talent contest and a trip to New York City to audition for the Ted Mack Show on ABC. He played in many bands, including the Meredith Town Band, which had a bandstand by Church Point, He also played piano in a dance band that performed around New Hampshire for some years.
He received his bachelor's in accounting from the University of New Hampshire, but the best thing about UNH was meeting the love of his life, Nancy. They were married 63 years.
John worked with surety bonds in Manchester and Boston for a few years before he and Nancy settled in Meredith, where he ran several insurance agencies for more than 40 years. John was a past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of New Hampshire and a board member of the New Hampshire and Vermont chapters of the Society for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters Professional Association.
He loved New Hampshire, especially Meredith, and served the town for 60 years in many capacities: as a Captain and Treasurer of the Meredith Fire Department, a member of the Meredith Conservation Commission and the Meredith Zoning Board of Adjustment, and a Trustee for both the Meredith Public Library and Meredith Village Savings Bank. He was also an active member of the Meredith Rotary Club for 59 years and co-founded the Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby. He was awarded three Paul Harris Fellowships and was named Meredith Citizen of the Year in 2002.
In retirement, John was very involved in conservation, having served as Treasurer of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions. As part of his love of conservation, the Sherman Easement was created, preserving a natural space for all to enjoy. Together with Nancy, he loved to maintain the many trails within the easement and to perambulate the boundaries.
He also enjoyed the many outdoor activities this area had to offer, especially fishing, skiing. and travel. An avid skier, he served on the Gunstock Area Commission, was a "Gunstock Geezer," and he instilled the love of skiing in his son and grandchildren. He and Nancy also traveled extensively and loved camping on the coast of Maine. They most enjoyed their off-grid cabin by the Canadian border that they built with three other families in 1970 and their camp on Lake Winnipesaukee.
John is survived by his son, Jim Sherman and daughter-in-law, Kathleen, of Gilford: his grandson, Justin Sherman, of Gilford; and his granddaughter, Emily Sherman, of Durango, Colorado. He adored his family and following their adventures - how he loved them. Finally, he is survived by his greatest love, Nancy, who he felt so lucky to have traveled life's adventures together with.
There will be no services. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.