John Nelson, Jr

Obituary John Franklin Nelson, Jr. of Morehead City passed away at Crystal Bluffs Rehabilitation Facility in Morehead City on January 8th, 2018. He was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Octavia Nelson and his wife, Jane S. Nelson. He is survived by two sons, (1) John F. Nelson, III, and his wife, Valerie, of Houston, TX and two grandsons, Alex and Will and (2) David R. Nelson of San Antonio, TX and his two children, Denyea and David. John was born and grew up in Morehead City. He graduated from Morehead City High School in 1947, active in band, baseball, basketball and Hi-Y. After high school, John attended East Carolina Teachers College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was elected to the "Whos Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" while attending college. After graduating from college in 1950, John was hired by Raleigh City Schools to teach at Needham Broughton High School. Here he met another first-year teacher, Jane Suggs, on the first day of their careers. They began dating the first week of school and later married on February 9, 1952. They were together for over 62 years. John joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, completed his OCS training at Quantico, VA and served as a 2nd Lieutenant during his overseas assignment (mortar battalion) during the Korean War. He was promoted to the rank of Captain. After returning from Korea, John continued his military service in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves until 1963. John and Jane moved to the Washington D.C. area in the mid 1950s where John taught high school chemistry at Bethesda Chevy Chase High school while at the same time earning a Masters of Arts degree in Education at George Washington University. The family moved to Morehead City in 1965 where John became the principal at West Carteret High School, working there until his retirement in 1988. While principal at WCHS, John lead the fund-raising campaign for the new football field, spearheaded the push to begin girls sports in a time when the conference did not sponsor womens athletics, pushed for the addition of new sports such as wrestling, volleyball, cross-country, golf, soccer and softball. He also served on the NC High School Athletic Association Board of Directors. After retirement, John was elected to the Morehead City Council and served for 16 years. During his four terms, he helped improve the citys financial stability, build new fire and police stations, implemented paramedic services, improve water treatment facilities, renovate the recreation department, acquire property for new city parks, and build a baseball stadium. He helped with the acquisition of the Charles Wallace School Building for future housing of governmental and community organizations. He helped improve public water access with the construction of the 10th Street and Radio Island boat ramps. He was the key leader for the land donation for the Conchs Point Public Water Access. John was active at other various organizations in his life, leading the usher ministry at First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, participating in Rotary International for over 50 years, serving as President at times. He was also a Master Mason for 58 years. John truly loved Morehead City. From boating, clamming and fishing on Bogue Sound to duck hunting Down East, John shared his pride and love of this area with is boys, and anyone who would listen to a story or history of the area, a true ambassador for the city and the area. From sweeping floors at the Sanitary Fish Market as a child to becoming a City Councilman, John was a proud and true Conchs Pointer. The family will receive guests at Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 Professional Circle, on Sunday afternoon, January 14th from 4 PM until 6 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15th at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 900 Arendell Street. The Rev. Powell Osteen, senior pastor will officiate. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Bayview Cemetery in Morehead City. The family suggest memorials be made to the Carteret County Public School Foundation, 107 Safrit Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516, designated for the West Carteret High School Media Center; or to the First United Methodist Church, 900 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557; or any Morehead City Rotary Club. Visitation 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM ,Sunday, January 14, 2018 Brooks Funeral Home 201 Professional Circle Morehead City, NC, Carteret 28557 Funeral Service 2:00 PM ,Monday, January 15, 2018 First United Methodist Church 900 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC, Carteret 28557 Interment will follow service Monday, January 15, 2018 Bayview Cemetery 300 N. 20th Street Morehead City, NC, Carteret 28557 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of John Nelson, Jr