John Nivens

Waynesville-John Jackson Nivens, age 75, died on December 27, 2007 after an extended illness. He was born on February 23, 1932 to the late John Jackson and Eva Carpenter Nivens and was the youngest of 16 children. A native of Dallas, NC, Jack was a loving husband, father, stepfather, uncle and grandfather. After serving in the Marine Corps, Jack was in the insurance business until his retirement. After retirement, Jack went to work at Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Resort. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Julia Nivens; three daughters, Leigh Tipton and husband, Ted, of Black Mountain, Valleri Harris and husband, David, of Asheville, and Suzanne Wallace and husband, Bill, of Gastonia; three stepchildren, Tim Finger and wife, Carleene, Lynne Hurley and husband, David, all of Waynesville and Carole Finger of Rutherfordton; two sisters, Zula Barker and Betty Smith and husband, Bill, of Gastonia; six grandchildren, Jennifer Tipton, Keri Tipton and fiancée, Daniel Honeycutt, Sarah and Grace Harris, and Emily and Maggie Wallace; and many nieces and nephews and caring friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home on Sunday, January 27, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to SARGE's Animal Rescue Foundation at P.O. Box 854, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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