Celebrating the life of
John T. Neises
April 13, 1930 - January 22, 2014
SAVANNAH - John T. Neises died Wednesday, January 22 after six days of extraordinary care at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, following an accident. He was surrounded by his family. Jack was born in 1930 in Cincinnati, Ohio to parents then recently emigrated from Germany. He was married for 58 years to Grace H. Neises, who passed away in 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and then served in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He received a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School and embarked on a career as a manufacturing and sales executive with Fortune 500 companies, most notably Xerox Corporation, then headquartered in Rochester, New York. In 1970, he became an entrepreneur, one of three founding partners of Charles River Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm based in Massachusetts. He was proud to have participated, with his partners at Charles River Ventures, in the creation of many technologies and companies.
He retired to Savannah in 1992, and with his wife, fully immersed himself as a volunteer and philanthropist. Most notable among these endeavors were his work as a home builder for Habitat for Humanity, as an organizer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games sailing events in Savannah and as Treasurer, and then Chairman, of the Board of Trustees of the Telfair Museums. At the Telfair, he was a key collaborator in the development of the Jepson Center, the transformative expansion of the institution. In Boston, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Medal for his work with the Boy Scouts of America, and supported the Handel Hayden Society as well as many other causes. He will be remembered as a man who took great joy in his work, family, skiing, dancing, travel, and above all, people.
Jack is survived by his son David and wife Sylvaine of Savannah and New Hampshire; son Mark of Knoxville, TN; daughter Ellen of Brooklyn, NY; sister Margaret Buckley of Cincinnati; and four grandchildren.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406. A reception and lunch will follow at the church. Burial: Private. The family requests that remembrances be sent to Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, 1106 East 70th Street, Savannah, Georgia 31404, 912 353-8122.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Neises just over a year ago, when I moved to Savannah to start a new non-profit. Mr. Neises was a generous person, who supported our charitable organization, which I learned was well within his character and history. Many within this community will miss him for his spirit, compassion, intelligence, and his many interests within Savannah. What a truly wonderful legacy he has left. For all of those whose lives he touched at the Reed House, we offer our sincere condolences to his family. Warren Sparrow Reed House, Inc.
- Warren Sparrow, Savannah, GA
I was sadden to hear about Jack's passing. He was one of the leaders of the venture capital industry in Boston for many years. I had the priviledge of being one of his firm's investors and coinvestors in several deals. I consider him a mentor who always offered great advice and counsel when I started my career in Boston in the 1980's. He was a kind,gracious and humble person in a field where many have egoes. He was one of the best.
- Michael F Cronin, Boston, MA
Our thoughts and prayers go to Jack's family and we all thank you for letting this wonderful man be part of the lives of so many. I first met Jack in the mnid-1980's and if not for Jack and his colleagues - the history of thousands of people I have worked with would not have been as rewarding and wonderful. He quickly became a friend and his wit, wisdom, charm, honesty and integrity have framed our relationship that has spanned nearly 30 and not enough years and several companies. He was the most endearing host and guide to the beautiful city of Savannah. Our telephone conversations have been highlights of my professional and personal life for decades. He will be missed and heaven now has the most talented and ethical business person in residence. Mark and Jennifer Anderson
- Mark Anderson, Fargo, ND
I only knew Jack for a short time, but he made quite an impression on me. He was a gentleman and I loved the positive attitude he processed. He will be missed by all who were lucky to know him. Steve Yates Savannah, GA
- Steve Yates, Savannah, GA
Jack was my best friend during his Cincinnati years, and we maintained this relationship albeit on a reduced level after he left the city. After he and Grace married, Jo & I quickly found them to be our favorite social couple. They were both highly intelligent, caring, generous, and a lot of fun to be with. They will be long remembered and sorely missed.
- Don Schmidt, Cincinnati, OH
I went all through college with both Grace and Jack witnessed their marriage and am Mark's god mother. It was a shock to hear of Jack's passing. Both mom and dad were wonderful friends from my past even though our contact has been infrequent over the years. My sincere sympathy to all of you children upon dad's passing. May God give you many wonderful memories of your growing up and bless the family - deceased & living.
- Mrs. Jean Lee Flaig Krabacher, Cincinnati, OH
I will always remember Mr. Neises for his respect,care & concern that he showed since meeting him in 2009. From the first time we met, we clicked and I always looked forward to listening about his past and his experiences. Mr. Neises is an inspiration of how we all should live our lives. I will always remember Mr. Neises.
- Dean Carroll, Pooler, GA
We are so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. Jack's wit, energy, and enthusiasm for life were a regular inspiration. He will be sorely missed.
- Donna Shea, SAVANNAH, GA
I will always remember John as a dear friend, a true gentleman and a wonderful member of the German Heritage Society of Savannah, Georgia.
- Tom Davis, Savannah, GA
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Neises just over a year ago, when I moved to Savannah to start a new non-profit. Mr. Neises was a generous person, who supported our charitable organization, which I learned was well within his character and history. Many within this community will miss him for his spirit, compassion, intelligence, and his many interests within Savannah. What a truly wonderful legacy he has left. For all of those whose lives he touched at the Reed House, we offer our sincere condolences to his family. Warren Sparrow Reed House, Inc.
- Warren Sparrow, Savannah, GA
I was sadden to hear about Jack's passing. He was one of the leaders of the venture capital industry in Boston for many years. I had the priviledge of being one of his firm's investors and coinvestors in several deals. I consider him a mentor who always offered great advice and counsel when I started my career in Boston in the 1980's. He was a kind,gracious and humble person in a field where many have egoes. He was one of the best.
- Michael F Cronin, Boston, MA
Our thoughts and prayers go to Jack's family and we all thank you for letting this wonderful man be part of the lives of so many. I first met Jack in the mnid-1980's and if not for Jack and his colleagues - the history of thousands of people I have worked with would not have been as rewarding and wonderful. He quickly became a friend and his wit, wisdom, charm, honesty and integrity have framed our relationship that has spanned nearly 30 and not enough years and several companies. He was the most endearing host and guide to the beautiful city of Savannah. Our telephone conversations have been highlights of my professional and personal life for decades. He will be missed and heaven now has the most talented and ethical business person in residence. Mark and Jennifer Anderson
- Mark Anderson, Fargo, ND
I only knew Jack for a short time, but he made quite an impression on me. He was a gentleman and I loved the positive attitude he processed. He will be missed by all who were lucky to know him. Steve Yates Savannah, GA
- Steve Yates, Savannah, GA
Jack was my best friend during his Cincinnati years, and we maintained this relationship albeit on a reduced level after he left the city. After he and Grace married, Jo & I quickly found them to be our favorite social couple. They were both highly intelligent, caring, generous, and a lot of fun to be with. They will be long remembered and sorely missed.
- Don Schmidt, Cincinnati, OH
I went all through college with both Grace and Jack witnessed their marriage and am Mark's god mother. It was a shock to hear of Jack's passing. Both mom and dad were wonderful friends from my past even though our contact has been infrequent over the years. My sincere sympathy to all of you children upon dad's passing. May God give you many wonderful memories of your growing up and bless the family - deceased & living.
- Mrs. Jean Lee Flaig Krabacher, Cincinnati, OH
I will always remember Mr. Neises for his respect,care & concern that he showed since meeting him in 2009. From the first time we met, we clicked and I always looked forward to listening about his past and his experiences. Mr. Neises is an inspiration of how we all should live our lives. I will always remember Mr. Neises.
- Dean Carroll, Pooler, GA
We are so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. Jack's wit, energy, and enthusiasm for life were a regular inspiration. He will be sorely missed.
- Donna Shea, SAVANNAH, GA
I will always remember John as a dear friend, a true gentleman and a wonderful member of the German Heritage Society of Savannah, Georgia.
- Tom Davis, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
