09/25/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Miracle Chemical family member, John “Jack” Nelson.
Jack was an Apple Genius before the position ever existed. Working with Apple computers long before helping people with their technology became an official profession. For the past 20 years, Jack brought that same knowledge, curiosity, and personality to the Miracle Chemical warehouse.
Anyone who walked through the warehouse was likely to hear Jack share his extensive pool knowledge, stories, and observations—always delivered with his own unmistakable brand of irreverence. He was beloved by our customers and became a familiar and memorable face to everyone who came through Miracle.
Although Jack worked at Miracle for 20 years, he had been part of the Miracle family for much longer. He was a close friend of William Neumann Jr. (President Emeritus of Miracle Chemical) for more than 40 years. Jack was an avid gamer, and for many years could be found on a Saturday night at Miracle gaming with Bill and their friends. Even in recent years, Jack continued playing World of Warcraft online with Bill.
Jack’s passion for history was another defining part of who he was. As a proud member of the Second Regiment Middlesex County Revolutionary War reenactors, he brought that passion to life each fall at Rutgers University’s Shi Stadium, where he was part of the team responsible for firing the cannon at home football games. In 31 years, Jack never missed a Rutgers home game.
Jack was perhaps best known for his salty demeanor, but beneath it was a kind heart, a soft spot for animals, a generous nature, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was a loyal friend, who will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by his Miracle Chemical family, his friends, his customers, and all those whose lives he touched over the years.
Jack is survived by his brothers, Ralph and Marty Nelson, and his best friend, Clayton Eisner.