Jay Allen Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jay A. Nelson, who left us on January 20th. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and grandfather. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Born in Alameda California on May 23rd 1948, Jay lived a life filled with love, compassion, and selflessness. He touched the lives of many through his kind and caring nature. His love knew no bounds, and he was always there for those in need, offering a helping hand and a listening ear. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued and loved, offering words of encouragement and support whenever they were needed. His kindness touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

As a husband, Jay was a pillar of strength and unwavering support. He cherished his marriage and shared a deep bond with his wife, Patrizia. He was a loving father to his daughter Renee, and a doting grandfather to his two grandkids, Taryn and Peter. He embraced every moment spent with them, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

Jay was first a star athlete with a basketball scholarship until a spleen injury cancelled that career. He found his way to Oregon State University and with a doctorate in Microbiology/Virology in 1980, began his amazing journey in science. A postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and a faculty position at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, were highlighted with publications specializing in the molecular pathogenesis of herpesviruses, retroviruses, and flaviviruses. In 2001, he helped establish and lead the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) in Portland, Oregon. He delighted in the seminal observations that were made in his laboratory: the myeloid lineage cell that served as the reservoir for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the identification of viral microRNAs that regulate the cell's secretory pathway for virus assembly and result in immune regulation and reactivation of latent virus infection. His work with humanized mice as models for virus pathogenesis and the CMV as a vaccine vector was groundbreaking. Under his leadership, VGTI became of model of international and national collaboration in science. He was the Director of the Pacific Northwest Regional Center of Excellence (PNWRCE) in biodefense and emerging infectious diseases, a large consortium of investigators with extensive expertise and basic and translational research capacity directed at a broad range of NIAID category A-C priority pathogens. He was an editor for Journal of Virology and Associate editor of PLOS Pathogens.

In his free time, Jay enjoyed fly fishing, playing Cribbage, and travelling. These activities brought him joy and allowed him to express his creativity and adventurous spirit. He approached life with enthusiasm and zest for living, inspiring those around him to embrace each day as a gift.

May we find solace in the memories we shared with Jay, and may his spirit guide us as we continue our journey through life, carrying his love and compassion in our heart.

Forever Loved and Deeply missed.

Patrizia, Renee, Taryn and Peter