Mr. John Henry Kluis was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. He was born on May 27, 1953, in Glen Ridge, N.J., to the late John Henry Kluis and Johanna VanderLou Kluis.
John was raised in Pompton Plains, N.J., until the age of 13, when the Kluis family relocated to Onancock. Following high school, he partnered with his brother Tony to run their family business, Kluis Nurseries. In 2004, John began a new venture as a licensed Realtor with Southern Shores Realty, and a few years later, he joined Coldwell Banker Harbour Realty. Over the last two decades, he enjoyed working alongside the team at Coldwell Banker as much as he enjoyed helping his clients find homes, and he was grateful for the many friends he made along the way. Despite many health challenges in recent years, John was able to continue to do what he loved with the support of coworkers, with special thanks to Janice York.
John was a man of unwavering conviction whose relationship with Christ was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a devoted member of Onancock Baptist Church for nearly four decades, having served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader among his many roles. John always looked forward to worshiping with his church family and especially enjoyed sharing his faith with others, both personally and professionally.
Though he treasured all his relationships, none compared to the love John had for his family, especially his “Dear” wife, Nancy. Though his earthly presence will be deeply missed, John’s legacy of faith and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of the Lord he so faithfully served.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, John is survived by his children, Jonathan Kluis (Amy), Erin Briggs (Tommy), Drew Savage (Alison), Vickie Sams (Bryan), Tina Pfeiffer (Chelsea), and Missy Lattimore (Adam); his sister, Tina Kurrelmeyer; his brother, Gerry Kluis; his grandchildren, Conner and Corbin Kluis, Josiah Briggs, Helena Savage, Mason Taylor, Matthew Taylor (Kelsey), Molly and Olivia Sams, Taylor Shreaves, Gary and Olivia Peart, and Violet, Lilly, and Laney Lattimore; his niece, Karen Kluis; and his great-nieces, Katie and Audrey.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Anthony “Tony” Kluis and his wife, Lynelle; his sister-in-law, Clara Kluis; and his nephew, David Kluis.
A service in celebration of John’s life will be held at Onancock Baptist Church on Friday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., with Pastor Andy Cobb officiating. The family will greet friends for a reception following the service.
Contributions in John’s memory may be made to Onancock Baptist Church, 1 Crockett Ave., Onancock, VA 23417 or to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, www.samaritanspurse.org
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
