Jon P. Nelis 1938-2025

JP was born in 1938 in Struthers to Mary Eagleton Nelis Taylor and Irvin Nelis.

He grew up enjoying family trips to Kahshe Lake and he remembered growing up on Beachwood Drive fondly.

He graduated from Struthers High School and Mount Union College, where he was a Sigma Nu and played for the Purple Raiders’ football team.

After graduating, he began his career as a high school teacher and coach in Barberton.

In 1965, he married Judith Lowery and soon moved to Florida to continue teaching and coaching in Hialeah, Florida. He completed his graduate degree in education at FIU, moved to Naples, Florida, and later settled in Clearwater, Florida, where he was a proud Tornado for many years. He and Judy raised their two daughters in Clearwater, and JP maintained a part-time residence there for the rest of his life.

In 1999, he married Jean Millikin after becoming reacquainted at a high school reunion. They lived in Seminole, Florida, before retiring to Seneca, South Carolina, where they enjoyed rooting for the Clemson Tigers.

JP was predeceased by his mother, his father and his wife, Jean.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Nelis (Craig) Bostock and Jennifer Nelis; four grandchildren, Sarah Bostock, Marquish Bostock, Rachel Bostock (Justin) Warling and Hannah Bollinger; and two great-grandsons. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Lyn) Nelis and his family.

The family is planning a private service but asks that friends remember JP while enjoying an upcoming football game.

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