John James Nisly (JJ), age 65, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023 after a battle with cancer.
He was born in Hutchinson, KS on September 30, 1957, to John and Sylvia Nisly. He decided that Kansas was the place to live and at 20 years old, he went to Indiana to convince Hilda ‘Joy’ Miller of that as well. They were married in 1978, and eight years later they were proud parents to two girls, Lolita Miller (Joe), Roxie Heatwole (Dave), and two boys, Matt Nisly (Jackie), and Dale Nisly (Tash).
He was a very educated man, but wasn’t much for school. As a child, he learned most of his skills from his father as well as figuring them out himself. He was well known for his ability to repair Massey Ferguson combines, lawn mowers, and many brands of tractors. For 20 years, he owned Double J’s Agri-Service, and eventually transitioned to driving a semi-truck for ProVia Logistics.
In his early years he enjoyed playing softball and guitar. Later on, his hobbies included golf, woodworking and turning out pieces of art on his wood lathe.
He had a strong passion for teaching kids at the JAM (Jesus And Me) ministry, driving the JAM bus, serving and mentoring others, listening to worship music, and playing with his grandkids. His number one desire in life was to follow Jesus. His retirement goals of helping and serving others were cut short by his cancer illness. Despite spending many days going to doctor appointments and being required to rest, he rarely complained and made a conscious decision to “choose joy” no matter what the circumstance.
JJ is survived by: his wife, Joy; children, Lolita (Joe), Roxie (Dave), Matt (Jackie), Dale (Tash); siblings, Joye Miller (Ellis), Janie Ediger (Randy), Joan Yoder (Hank), Jeannie Miller (Tim), Dave Nisly (Pam); grandkids, Tasha and Jevon Miller, Asia, Lincoln and Kannon Heatwole, Alexa, Jovie, Easton and Callaway Nisly, and Jayda, Shay, and Chance Nisly. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, July 10 at 10:00 AM with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Public visitation hours are Sunday afternoon 2:00 - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 8:00pm. All services will take place at Plainview Mennonite Church located at 5610 W Trail West Rd, Hutchinson, KS. To view the service online, the link will be on the church’s website (https://www.plainviewchurch.com/) on the day of the service.
Memorials are suggested to Plainview Mennonite Church for the benefit of the JAM (Jesus And Me) ministry, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.