John Richard Nutting
August 9, 1947-October 28,2023
John died at home with his wife and friends at the bedside. Born to Ralph and Norma Nutting in Burley, Idaho. John was the first of 4 children. During his childhood, he lived in Idaho and Washington. At 18 he joined the Marine Corp, as many of his family did before him. He served for 3 years, one in Vietnam, as a Regimental Scoutt/Snipper, and was honorably discharged.
Upon returning home he traveled around the Northwest. In Bellevue WA, he met Laurel Billington. They spent the summer together, until he left on a trip down the Cascade Crest Trail with friends and horses.
2 months later, he and Laurel moved to Bosie, Idaho where they both attended Bosie State College. Within the year they were married. After 4 years they hitchhiked to the Olympic Peninsula and hiked around the national park. John found employment at Olympic Memorial Hospital as an orderly and later as an operating room tech.
In 1978 John and Laurel left for a year of traveling, 9 months on a motorcycle in the US and Canada and 3 months in Europe. Upon his return, John started the business Top Hat Chimney Sweep, through which he served the Nort Olympic Peninsula for many years. He enjoyed the view from the roof and meeting new people, with whom he engaged in many a conversation.
In 1982, John was flown to Sweden to be on a popular TV show honoring a marine corp friend who was ministering to people in need. Life changed as Daniel was born in 1983, followed by Madaline and Michael in 1986. John enjoyed showing his children the wonder of nature the world around them. John joined project Uplift and in 2005 returned to Vietnam to help build a school. He said it was “one of the most positive and rewarding experiences of his life”.
In 2014, John wrote an account of his time in Vietnam for his children. With the encouragement of a friend, it became a book, “The Court-Martial of Corporal Nutting”. John later received a gold medal from the “Military Writers Society of America”. 10 years of chronic pain due to a severe neuropathy diminished his body but not his spirit. John was a loving, thoughtful and intelligent man. His home was open to all. He was a good listener and storyteller. Caring deeply about, he was frequently heard to say “It’s not about me”.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years Laurel; sons Daniel, Michael (Jerra), daughter Madaline (Tom); siblings Vikki, Paul and Kris.; many cousins and extended family. John was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers in law Herman and Stewart; Cousin, Doug; and 4 nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethany Pentecostal Church on March 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Donations may be made to Volunteer Hospice, any veterans’ advocacy group or a charity of your choice. Peace be with you.
