John David Nelson

A life too short.

John David Nelson, loving son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Austin, Texas on May 7, 2021. John is survived by his loving parents Jim and Elaine Nelson, and his six brothers and sisters; Jennifer, Michael, Daniel, Sarah, Joy, and Rebecca. John is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Elaina, Adalynn, Cara, Hayden, Nelson, Joel, Brighton, Wesley, Levi, Ember, Livia, John Michael, Ellie, Josiah, Ava, Starks, Denver, Ry, Pax, and Charlotte.

John, the youngest of seven children, was born on March 31st, 1993 in Geneva, Il. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Tomball, TX where John spent his early years before relocating with the family to Arizona in 1997. John attended kindergarten through 4th grade in Prescott, AZ at Washington Traditional Elementary School before a temporary move to Perry, Oklahoma where John and his family took care of his grandparents. John started wrestling in Perry, OK at one of the best 4B wrestling schools in the state. After finishing the 8th grade, John returned home to Prescott, where John brought his wrestling skills and competed at a much higher level, alongside his closest friends Cameron Mengarelli and James "JT" Tatum. John graduated from Prescott High School in May 2011.

During his years in Prescott, John loved to explore nature; he took every opportunity to hike, go bouldering, camping, fishing and hunting. He spent all his spare time with his best friends Cameron, JT, Kyle Johnson, Francis Martin, and Tyler Smith. It was in Prescott that John developed a love for the guitar and took lessons, which he continued to use throughout his short life; always dragging his guitar along with him wherever he went. Not long after completing high school, John obtained his EMS certification and trained at the Yavapai Hospital, where he was able to use his quick-thinking skills and compassion for others to help those in need.

In his early 20s, John chose to relocate to Denver, CO to be closer to his brother Daniel and experience the beauty and excitement of the beautiful Colorado outdoors. He worked as an IT specialist for Longview Systems and continued to take time to exercise, camp, hunt, and hike (even in the coldest weather!) and play his guitar.

In 2019, John responded to his parents request to relocate to Dallas and be near them. Here, he continued to work in the IT industry until his work was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. He then moved to Austin, TX to look for work and stay with his friend. John passed away the morning of May 7th.

John will always be remembered as a fine, respectful young man, full of loyalty, passion, and compassion. He loved his friends and family, he particularly loved his almost daily conversations with his mom, spending time in nature, and playing his guitar. He was quick-witted, had a bright humor contagious to those around him, and was rarely caught without a giant smile.

He is dearly missed by his loving family and always remembered in their hearts. We look to the day we will be reunited with John in Heaven.