John Thomas Mcnelis

John Thomas McNelis, 86, of Grants Pass, died Friday, March 2, 2007 at Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 8, 2007 at Hull & Hull Chapel with Father Peter O’Brien officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

John was the seventh child born to Cormac and Mary Anne (O’Hearn) McNelis in Masontown, Pennsylvania on April 28, 1920.

He was preceded in death by his brothers William and Cormac and his sisters, Nora, Marie, Anna and Margaret. He is survived by his younger sister, Patricia Weber of Chicago, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

John volunteered for the Army in 1942. He served two tours of duty in World War II and received five bronze stars for his participation in the battle of Normandy and the campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.

After the war, John “rode the rails” to California. He eventually came to San Jose, where he met and fell in love with Johanna Sutcliffe. They married in March of 1963. John enjoyed being part of her equally large family of nine brothers and sisters.

During the following years through his stepchildren, Julie Johnson and Richard Sutcliffe, he became “Grandpa” to six grandchildren, Erik, Chris, Dain and Mark Johnson and Cindie and Ron Sutcliffe. They all loved “Gramps” aka “Papa John”. He treated them with love and kindness and taught them the value of humor. Today his great grandchildren, Michelle, Johanna, Zach, Angus, Ruby, Whitney and Ashlie, also have shared in his legacy of Irish wit.

Johnny loved a good joke, especially, one liners. He could go on for hours and never forget a punch line. He also loved to listen to his extensive record collection of old standards. He could sing along to all of them and of course favored the Irish tunes.

When John and Johanna moved to Grants Pass in 1972 he worked for Rogue Community College until he retired. Jo and John had lots of company from California and the “bunk house” was always full. One guest came to stay! John’s loved companion and spoiled rotten dog, Casey! Casey never left his side or lap and was dressed in costume for every holiday. Of course, St. Patty’s day was his favorite. This photo from 1981 says it all!

John was a unique character and will always be remembered for his ability to tell a good story and make you smile.

If there’s a lottery in Heaven ~ he’s hit the jackpot at last. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved.