John Francis Nason

Scarborough, ME- John Francis Nason, known and loved by all as Jack, passed away at 82 years old on December 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughters. While his passing was sudden, Jack lived a life defined not by loss, but by love, laughter, service, and joy.

Jack was born on March 6th, 1943, in North Quincy, Massachusetts. He was raised by his father, John Francis Nason, along with his Aunt Helen Moore and his grandmother Mary, who helped shape the steady, kind, and good-humored man he would become. He was predeceased by his brother George Nason and his sister Bernice Backman. Jack graduated from North Quincy High School in 1962.

At just 19 years old, in July of 1962, Jack entered the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with Platoon 150 at boot camp in Parris Island, completed weapons training at Camp Geiger, and returned to Camp Lejeune with the 6th Marines, where he served from 1962 to 1965. Jack gained the rank of Corporal and proudly served 13 months in Vietnam. Jack received the Quilt of Valor in 2022. His service was marked by courage, loyalty, and an unyielding sense of duty, qualities that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

After completing his service in October of 1966, Jack returned to Maine and attended trade school before beginning a long and dedicated career with the Guilford Transportation Railroad. He worked for 38 years as a Yard Clerk at Rigby Yard in South Portland and was a proud member of the railroad union throughout his career. After retiring, Jack continued working with the City of Portland, because staying busy and connected was simply who he was.

Jack met the love of his life, Sally, in Washington, D.C., and they were married on August 1st, 1964. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage filled with partnership, laughter, adventure, and deep devotion. They raised their three daughters in Scarborough on Chamberlain Road, building a home that was full of warmth, humor, and unconditional love. Jack and Sally’s love was unmistakable; steady, joyful, and deeply admired by all who knew them.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sally Nason; his daughters Amy Sturgis and husband Matt Sturgis, Holly Rowe and husband Nick Rowe, and Tammy Loring Terrano and husband Phillip Terrano; and his cherished grandchildren Porter Rooney and his fiancée Danielle Peach, Wyatt and Hale Rowe, Liza Sturgis, Jack, Casey, Cora and Julia Loring. Also, his nephews Andrew and John Backman.

A memorial service will be held on January 31st, 2026, at 11;00 a.m. at Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, 100 Westbrook Street, South Portland, Maine. A reception will follow at Hillcrest Retirement Community Center, 108 Hillcrest Avenue, Scarborough, Maine.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Jack’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in tribute to Jack to the American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 or the Southern Maine Detachment of the Marine Corps League, 142 Hennessy Drive, Portland, Maine 04103.