John Nelson

John (Jack) J. Nelson, 90, of Oxford, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his home.

Jack was born September 21, 1934 in Carbondale, PA, a son of Paul J. and Sophia Gliha Nelson. He was a graduate of St. Rose Academy in Carbondale in 1952, from Scranton University in 1959, and received his Master’s Degree from SUNY Cortland thereafter. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955 and was honorably discharged as a Class A Communications Specialist Seaman. On August 8, 1958, Jack married his one true love, Barbara Romich, in Carbondale, PA. Jack and Barb moved to Oxford in 1966 where they raised their 5 children. Jack taught English at Oxford Academy and Central High School until he retired in 1989.

Jack was a communicant of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Oxford. He was a beloved member of the Oxford community; loved to bowl, hunt and fish, and to play pool, cards and especially golf. He was the golf coach at the High School for many years before he retired, and taught his kids and many grandkids to play and love the game.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his former wife, Barbara Nelson, his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Joyce Nelson, his daughter-in-law Susan Nelson, his former daughter-in-law and forever family Tricia (Nelson) Moore, his grandson, Josh Nelson and his great grandson Oscar Nelson. Surviving are his children, Jill and her husband Ted Nelson, of Thornton, CO; Jack Nelson and his wife Suzy of Medford, MA; Jeff Nelson of Oxford; Jolinda Westerberg and her husband Rick of Lubbock, TX; and Jay Nelson of Oxford; his grandchildren, Tyler Nelson (Nikki) of Thornton, CO; Viki Nelson of Longmont, CO; Paul Nelson (Brooke) of Madison, TN; Erin Nelson of Medford, MA; Greg Nelson (Ashley) of Milton, MA; Jackie Nelson (Francesca) of Venice, Italy; Missy Chrystie (Mike) of Norwich, NY; Jessy Fish (Mark) of Greene, NY; Jeremy Nelson (Tara) of Owego, NY; Jenna Hunter (Chad) of Greene, NY; Trevor Nelson (Tiffany) of Oxford, NY; Allie Moore (Matt) of Earlville, NY; and Joseph Nelson, of Oxford, NY; his great grandchildren Cooper, Carter, Maggie, Johnsy, Dean, Willa, Aurelia, Malaya, Mallari, Roger, Tristan, Emmet and Grayson; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at St. Joseph Church in Oxford followed by a burial with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate his life will be take place at the church following the burial. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory can be made to the Oxford American Legion, Post #376.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, NY 13830.