Obituary of John G. Nellis

John G. ("Bub" or Bubby") Nellis at 68 years of age passed away at his family home on Nellis Road in Fort Plain, on January 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Amsterdam, NY on December 3, 1954, the son of the late John (Casey) Nellis and Harriet Gottung, Nellis.

John graduated from Fort Plain High School, class of 1973. He then went onto SUNY Cobleskill and obtained a degree in dairy cattle management and a degree in agricultural mechanics. He was very proud of his years in FFA as the foundation for his career in agriculture. As a member of the Fort Plain FFA he achieved the honor of a NYS Star Farmer. He cherished the knowledge, and life lessons passed to him from his Uncle Curt and Aunt Helen Nellis.

On July 20th, 1985, he married Christine King in Jordanville, NY.

He is survived by his wife Christine; three daughters, Katie L. and her husband Scott Key, and their children Saige and Cierra, Brittnay L. Nellis and Erin J Nellis, Jake Smith; brother Blaine and his wife Karen Nellis; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In 1983 John's purchase of the Nellis Family farm allowed him to embark on a journey that fulfilled his every being. To work the land, care for the cows and grow a family on the soil so precious to his family. His passion for the holstein cow and the families he created were as much a piece of him as his own family.

He worked diligently to balance farm life with family life knowing the importance of both. Being active at every activity the girls were part of, sports, family vacations, weekends away with Chris parties, the fair, church, the list goes on. His grandchildren brought renewed joy, laughter and filled his heart with much love. John was surrounded constantly by friends sharing commonality and a deep love for each other.

He was a loving husband and father; his heart was so full of love. His commitment to the successes of Chris and the girls, was evident in the love, the support and constant encouragement he gave each of them. He was tough only because he loved so deeply. His greatest accomplishment and proudest moments came for the successes of his family.

He loved being part of things bigger than himself, never too busy to lend a hand, too proud, and always willing to offer his thoughts.

His heritage, his passion for farming and mission to bring the farm and family beyond 2023 drove his every decision and fueled his existence. His excitement for the future kept him engaged during his battle with cancer.

John was a competitive soul, his love of baseball and affiliation with the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs brought him much joy. The men he proudly calls sons will always remember their time on the farm, their time in the family and the wisdom John instilled in each of them.

Please join the family for a memorial service to be held at the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain NY, at 1:00 PM on Sunday January 22, 2023. In lieu of calling hours the family invites all to a Celebration of John's life immediately following the service until 5pm. To be held at The Barn, 6852 St. HWY 5, Fort Plain, NY. Come as you can for light refreshments, fellowship, and sharing of John's life.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks if everyone would please consider a donation to one of the following:

Fonda Fair Dairy Exhibitors, John Nellis Memorial Fund, c/o Garritt or Ann Sammons,

986 co HWY 116, Johnstown, NY 12095; The Mohawk valley Diamond Dawgs, John

Nellis Memorial Fund, c/o Travis Heiser, 247 Moyer Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317; or The Nellis Pool Fund, c/o Canajoharie School District, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, NY 13317.