John T. Nash

John Nash, 75, passed away on March 21, 2021 surrounded by family, after a long illness. Born in Rochelle, Illinois on January 16, 1946 to Curtis and Henrietta (Smith) Nash. John graduated from Boylan High School in 1964. After graduation, he joined the Air Force where he excelled in his technology courses. In September 1967, he deployed to Vietnam for a year. When he returned home, he started dating the love of his life, Linda Nemmers. They were married on May 17, 1969 and were blessed to have three children, two grandchildren, and granddogs a’plenty.

John attended Rock Valley College and then Northern Illinois University where he earned his degree in Accountancy. After graduating, he returned to his technological roots and began his 30+ year career at Camcar Textron. During his second career, he worked for 10 years at H&R Block as a tax preparer.

He was an active member of the Boys Scouts of America. What began as a way to spend time with his eldest son when he joined Cub Scouts which turned into 30 years of leading Scouts. While he tolerated camping, he cherished being a mentor to the boys.

A devout Catholic, John was a life-long member of St. James Church (Rockford) where he developed numerous friendships. He served as an usher and Eucharistic minister.

He was deeply devoted to his family – including extended members. His children loved hearing his stories of yesteryear. He was mistaken for being extremely serious but was gifted with the ability to make people laugh.

Survivors include wife, Linda Nash; two sons, Shawn (Chrissy) Nash and Jason (Christine) Nash; daughter, Kristin Nash; grandson, Jason Nash, Jr; granddaughter; Payton Nash; granddogs, Gizmo, Wrigley, Teddy, and Henry; sister, Carolyn (Raymond) Goetsch; brother, Kurt Nash; sisters-in-law: Sandra Albrecht, Lori Fitzhorn, Judy Wilcox, Josephine Nemmers, Deb Nash, Cindy Nemmers; brothers-in-law: Joseph (Bonnie) Nemmers; Jack Fitzhorn; numerous nieces and nephews; grandson by association, Kent Abernathy. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Thomas Nash; brothers-in-law, Art Nemmers and Dennis Albrecht; nephew, Michael Albrecht; and niece, Amy Nash.

The family would like to thank their St. James family, Dr. (Joe) Ross, Heartland Hospice, and Alden Debe’s.

A walk through visitation will be held Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, April 9, 2021 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107. Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 at the church. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Join via Zoom ID 810 290 6045 passcode 123. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America or The Alzheimer’s Association. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.