John Stephen Nielsen

John Stephen Nielsen, 83 and originally from Brooklyn, NY, passed away July 06, 2023 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital. He was born March 08, 1940 in Brooklyn, the oldest of two children to Johannas Stephen and Mary Louisa (McBurney) Nielsen. John grew up in Brooklyn where he was a quiet, reserved young man who enjoyed playing with his sister and friends. He attended schools there, graduating with the New Utrecht High School Class of 1958. John joined the US Air Force right out of high school and would serve for just over twenty years. He was an aircraft mechanic and munitions supervisor, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant during his service. He retired in October 1982 and served in the retired reserve for an additional ten years before his final release. John loved to travel, so he bought a camper and off he went. He explored several areas of the country, including South Carolina, Georgia, and many more states, but eventually wound up in Richton, MS at Turkey Fork campground. Something about the area captivated him, so he wound up staying there, serving as manager for many years. In that time, John made many friends and helped untold numbers of guests through the years. He is remembered as a wonderful brother, uncle, and trusted friend. A loving, caring man, John was a true patriot that served with distinction, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and leadership. When he had some spare time, he loved collecting coins and working puzzles of all kinds. His affection for them led to his becoming known as "the Puzzle King" by his friends at Summerfield. For all that and more, he will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. John was preceded by his parents, Johannas and Mary Nielsen, and a great nephew, Justin McLoughlin. Left to cherish his memories are: his only sister, Mary Nielsen of Kingston, NY; his nieces: Mary Walsh of Atlanta, GA, Maureen McLoughlin of Saugerties, NY, and Bridget (Dean) Guite of Marietta, GA., and one nephew, Patrick (Corinne) McLoughlin of East Meadow, NY, along with several extended family and friends far and wide. John's final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. A memorial service will be set for a later date at Turkey Fork campground that he called home for so many years. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Nielsen family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.