John Robert Nessmith, born on August 11, 1960, in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 65. Residing in Bentonville, Arkansas, John was known for his hard-working, loving, funny, and protective nature.
John was the second of four children and the only son. The only brother, he would take on the role of sibling mediator for his three sisters. John’s family moved to Pomona, California, when he was three years old. He graduated from Ganesha High School in Pomona in 1978. John met and married the love of his life, Donna, and they moved to Arkansas in 1996.
The majority of John's working years were spent in distribution centers for Nordstrom and Napa AutoParts in California, followed by 28 years at Walmart's DC 6094. During his last several years at Walmart, he had the opportunity to work on the setup and teardown crew for the annual Shareholders Meeting, as well as the Year Beginning and Holiday meetings. He also traveled to other states assisting with store openings and remodels. John truly enjoyed doing the "behind the scenes" work and took pride in being chosen for special assignments.
John met his wife Donna while they both worked at Nordstrom’s distribution center. They married on June 25, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada, becoming a family of five with Donna’s young sons, Ryan, Joe, and Dan. John was a good role model and father figure not only to his stepsons but also to his nephews, nieces, and many others who came into his life. He loved his children and grandchildren, who brought him great joy.
John loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and swimming in the ocean. In his younger years, he explored old abandoned mines in the California desert and was active in the Society of Creative Anachronism, reenacting medieval war history. He volunteered at the Pea Ridge National Military Park, demonstrating Civil War-era medical equipment and processes, participating in the Battle of Pea Ridge reenactments, and was featured in scenes in the 2001 documentary "Thunder in the Ozarks – the Battle of Pea Ridge." In 2014, John joined the Catholic Church.
John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; his three sons, Ryan Ingram (Rachel) of Centerton, AR, Joseph Ingram (Stephanie) of Jesup, GA, and Dan Ingram (Jessica) of Pea Ridge, AR; grandchildren, Gavin, Bentley, Kyler, William, Landon, Abby, Dan Jr., and Dean; and great-grandchild, Aliila. He is also survived by his father, Jerry Nessmith; sisters, Katheryn Nessmith, Deborah Nessmith, and Cynthia Nessmith; nieces, Candice and Samantha; and nephews, John Michael, Adam, and Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Bartram, and nephew, Victor Facente.
John’s legacy of deep love and strength of character will be cherished and carried on through everyone he leaves behind.
