John was born on August 31, 1946, in Greenbrier, Tennessee, the son of Richard and Annie (Fisher) Nunley. His early years were spent in rural Tennessee until his family moved north in search of work opportunities. He enjoyed his time growing up in Ritchie, Illinois surrounded by friends and a loving family.
A graduate of Braidwood High School, John went on to build a career at Caterpillar, Inc., where he received additional education and training. He became a highly regarded database administrator and worked there from 1969 until 2001, when he suffered a stroke.
In May 1996, John married the love of his life, Marylee (Herrick). She became his steadfast supporter and caregiver throughout the years. While John did not have children of his own, he cherished Marylee’s sons, Kent (Bobbi) Ulm and Matthew (Jennifer) Ulm, from the very beginning. Among his greatest joys were his four grandchildren—Gracelyn, Phoebe, Griffin, and Dax Ulm—who held a very special place in his heart.
John is also survived by three siblings: Michael (Joyce) Nunley, Joann (Phil) Simmons, and Joyce Swick; his brother-in-law Rodney Herrick; and sister-in-law Sarah (Sally) Christy. He leaves behind five nieces and two nephews, all of whom dearly loved their Uncle Johnny—and he loved them just as much in return.
An avid baseball and softball player, John also enjoyed working out and staying active. He had a giving heart and a passion for helping others, first seen in his volunteer work at Cystic Fibrosis Camp. This experience later became the foundation for Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, the nonprofit he co-founded with Marylee. Together, they traveled the country hosting weekend retreats for stroke survivors and caregivers for more than a decade.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Anderson Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, Illinois. Rev. Ryan Anderson will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
After the service, a memorial reception will take place from 1:00–3:00 PM at Barracks Cater Inn, 1224 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615.
Memorials may be made to the United Stroke Alliance, 8000 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61615, to support stroke survivors and their caregivers on their post stroke journey.
