Senate Concurrent Resolution 662

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE AND COMMENDING THE CHARITABLE AND CIVIC LEADERSHIP OF DR. JOHN E. NEIHOF, JR., PAST PRESIDENT OF WESLEY BIBLICAL SEMINARY.

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Dr. John E. Neihof, Jr., (58), Pastor, Evangelist, College Administrator, Mentor and Civic Leader, on March 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, his life was filled with meaningful and purposeful work for the Kingdom of God; his home state, Kentucky; and his adopted state, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, John valued his own educational experiences at Kentucky Mountain Bible College (A.A.R.), Asbury University (Bachelor of Arts Degree), and the University of Kentucky (Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees), and went on to share this love for education in his professional life; and

WHEREAS, a deep thinker and skilled communicator, he served the Lord through classroom teaching, student life administration, institutional advancement, ten years of pastoral ministry, and fifteen years of Evangelism throughout the pan-Wesleyan world. For 23 years, he served as a Professor of Communications and Administrator at Kentucky Mountain Bible College. From 2013 to 2019, he provided visionary and vital leadership as President of Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, preaching God's Word and the power of full salvation was John's passion. He did this through speaking engagements with churches and camp meetings, numerous blog posts, and publications of articles and books that proclaimed the truth in a truth-hungry world. His hobbies included playing guitar and fashioning walking sticks out of naturally curled wood. Throughout his life, he was consistent in his energetic devotion to the church; and

WHEREAS, John described himself as a husband, father, grandfather, leader and adventurer for God. He was proud of his beloved Kentucky home, and always excited when he could tout the victories of his Kentucky Wildcats, but he loved his family and his Lord even more. He could often be found with a bright smile on his face and a hymn of praise on his lips. John is survived by his wife, Beth; children, Nathan (Melissa) Neihof and Katie Neihof (Peter) Lanigan; and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents, Dr. Eldon and Agnes Neihof; brother, James and (Dorenda) Neihof; sister, Mary Ann (Bryan) Brantley; and nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited Christian leader and citizen of Mississippi, whose enormous civic energy will be missed:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Legislature and commend the charitable and civic leadership of Dr. John E. Neihof, Jr., past President of Wesley Biblical Seminary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Neihof, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Wesley Biblical Seminary, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.