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BORN
1951
DIED
2014
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James Nelson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Nelson
Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.
Anne Seelenbrandt
July 27, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. As your share, talk, and remember, may you truly find that the one you loved so much is still living in your hearts.
- Friend of Steve
July 26, 2014
dearest mary-
I am so saddened and sorry to learn of the passing of jim... I know there is a hole in your heart...a hole that time will not erase, but will fill with loving memories and new blessings and events...I love you dear mary, and think so fondly of how kind and generous jim was to me and my daughter pepa.
July 21, 2014
Dear Nelson Family:
I was saddened to hear first of Jim's illness some months ago and now to learn of his passing. I was the Redwood Pigskin President at Redwood High School, so Jim and I worked closely together for those years. He gave so much of himself to the players and the school. He will always be remembered for his generosity and love of football. Peace be with you.
Melanie Pena and Mark and Max Perry (class of 2006)
July 21, 2014
Jim was great person and coach. He made me feel like I was a good player. I enjoyed hanging out at the house with Jim and Mary and I am grateful for his impact in my life. Praying for the family and friends
July 20, 2014
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you
and you familiy through this difficult time. Matt & Christine Tabarracci
July 19, 2014
Jim is one of the good guys. I am confident he inspired many people. Always a smile and a kind word. Funny and full of energy. Rest in peace Jim, you and your famil are in our prayers. Ron Brannigan, Houston, Texas
Rick Davey
July 18, 2014
Jim Nelson left an impression on all of us and the world at Large, evidenced by the turn out today, he had a major impact on many. It is clear Jimmy poured imminence amounts of Love energy and intensity into everything in his life. Marry and the boys and all that really knew him had to love him. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISS ED BY MANY. REST IN PEACE JIM AND I WISH YOU A PEACEFUL JOURNEY. GOD BLESS JIM AND THE REST OF THE NELSON FAMILY.
Bob McCullough
July 18, 2014
Jim:
We love and miss you. If life's wealth was measured by God's graces accumulated over a life time for living the word of Jesus' Gospel through your gifts of friendship and generosity to those lucky enough to know you, you are truly a billionaire. I amongst others witnessed your friendship and generosity reach out to everybody who came in contact with you not just the athletes or the "in" crowd. After meeting you as a 6th grader in a "pick up" baseball game on the MC field when you were a freshman and later meeting you again when you were a "stud" senior 6'ft 2" inch varsity quarter back when I was a meek scared 5'ft.2" inch freshman our life time friendship through our association with MC has lasted for almost 50 years. Hopefully through the grace of God and his mercy your friendships will be eternal with many of the fortunate people lucky to know you.
This is truly a "sad" day for your friends, family and the MC community but a great day for you because you are amongst the angels and saints in heaven. People like you and Bishop Daly are directly responsible for MC's success over the last 25 years based on the Gospel message which has been taught and demonstrated through love and dedication to others. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to your wonderful wife, Mary and your sons. Even though you have physically passed on, we know your spirit will always be with your family, friends and the MC community.
Please forgive me for missing the funeral service. I was informed of your death a few hours ago.
Rachel Moreno
July 18, 2014
My prayers are with the Nelson family in this time of great sorrow.
Rachel Moreno
July 18, 2014
My prayers and heart goes out to all of the Nelson family. Through Tim, who served with us at Santa Cruz School in Tucson, I would venture to say that perhaps Jim's greatest accomplishemt, with his wife, Mary, is the fine family he raised.
Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF
Diocese of Tucson
Coach Joe Cavallo
July 18, 2014
I knew Jim is one of America's most talented quarterbacks. He was a member of the Bay Area high school all-stars along with Jim O'Brien and Mike Dettling. His prowess earned him a full scholarship to the University of San Francisco which had recruited talent on a national basis the most talented players available in order to surpass past glories as America's number one collegiate football team. It was a pleasure coaching you, Jim. Sincerely CoachJoe
Dwight Nackord
July 18, 2014
With true sadness we heard of Jim's passing and it only reminded me of how far Jim ( and Andy) extended themselves to help a member of my family when things were tough. We will never forget.From my entire family our sympathies to the Nelsons
Dave Albee
July 18, 2014
Got to know Jim well when I covered Redwood football games for the Marin IJ. Always enjoyed our conversations and really admired his care and passion for his student-athletes. This is a tough loss, losing a great man -- a winner -- at such a young age. God bless to Jim's family and all the student-athletes he touched and impacted
tom horan
July 17, 2014
Jim went out of his way to bring out the best in young men. I admired his faith and am proud to have been his friend.
Joe Tassone
July 17, 2014
May he rest in Peace. Condolences to the family.
July 17, 2014
Jim was a wonderful coach to our son, and his warm smile, wit, and kindness were so enjoyed.
We are complex creatures with simple needs. Today a wife mourns the loss of her caring husband and partner, and her children now live without the laughter and advice of their loving father. But you have each other for strength. Mary, forever Jim's substance, love, and wisdom will be channeled through you to your children and their children and his image on their faces will be a continual reminder of the life you built with Jim, the love and joy you shared, and of his continued presence in your daily lives. The fragility of life and the inevitability of death complete the cycle, and we return from whence we came, to live again with our Father.
I hope time will bring you peace, prayer bring you strength, and memories keep Jim close to you, as he lives on through all of you. Our deepest sympathies,
Nick, Terry and Michael Avtonomoff
Bob Cummesky
July 17, 2014
It is with great sadness that I read of Jim's passing. From MC days as students to Redwood days as coaches in different sports our interaction was always positive and in great humor. My condolences to the entire Nelson family. You lost a Hall of Famer.
Jackie Tawney Moore
July 17, 2014
I could search my whole life to find the words to describe the enormity of the loss of Jim Nelson. They can never be found. My life and the lives of so many have been made so much richer by Jim's friendship. He was the embodiment of Wildcat Spirit. His devotion to his family and to his community were an inspiration. Jim, I will never forget you. Thank you for sharing your friendship with me. My love and prayers are with Mary and the boys.
July 17, 2014
To Jim's family,
Although we only kept in touch at Marin Catholic reunions and a few times on Facebook, I have always thought of Jim as a great friend. It is impossible to think of him without a smile on his face. Rest in peace, Jim.
Bette (Michelotti) Sutherlin
July 17, 2014
Mary & Boys...My dad just told me about the passing of our long-time family friend Jim Nelson. When I think of my teenage years Jim was so much a part of it. The Pop Warner Days of he and my dad (Dennis Fauss) coaching together. There are so many memories and I can see Jim with his big smile and silly personality
very clear. Memories last forever! I am thinking of all of you!
Nowell Fauss Purdue (San Diego, CA)
Dan Powers
July 17, 2014
Mary and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great coach and friend. He will be missed by all. I am sorry I will not be at the service but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dan "Turtle" Powers
Albert Griffin
July 17, 2014
You'll never be forgotten Jim. I can feel you watching down on me already. Your lessons and coaching will live on in this world. Love and miss you...
Jenna (Ratto) Poffenroth
July 17, 2014
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Nelson family. He was a wonderful man and had such a great impact on the Marin Catholic community.
Tom Del Torre
July 17, 2014
I always enjoyed Jims company especially at Indian Valley and at his Office in SF. To this day I can't figure out how he had the private phone number to the SF Police Chief???
Cathy Grant Krueger
July 17, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My condolences to the Nelson family.
July 17, 2014
When I think of the standout happy times at Marin Catholic, Jim is one of those people who always comes to mind. Our summer of 69 trip to Europe with his mom will forever be on the top of my list and will forever be a joyous memory. My love and prayers to the family
Debi Armes Bianchini
Michele Arbios
July 17, 2014
So many wonderful memories of Jim...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends as they gather in your memory. I will be there in spirit. Aloha, Jim.
Jason
July 17, 2014
So sorry for your lose Steve. Thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
July 17, 2014
We are sorry and our hearts go out to Jim's family and to our Redwood Football family. Our son's are better men from knowing "Coach Jim". His humor always came in handy when we needed it at games. He will be missed but not forgotten. Benjamin, Albert, Tammy, Jason, Ed, Denise, James and Emily..The Miller/Marden Family.
July 17, 2014
Jim is a gentleman and a friend who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the Nelson family. Rest in peace Jim.
Ken Peralta & the Sacred Heart Cathedral football family.
Mike and Tanya McInnis
July 16, 2014
Jim, your spirit of joy will always be an inspiration to all. We are deeply saddened about Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and the boys. May time ease the pain leaving the great memories and there were many.
tom keegan
July 16, 2014
Nelson Family, I was very sorry to hear about Jim. I have great memories of playing golf with him and how son Timmy would get up at the crack of dawn to " caddy " for us. A chilly 18 holes at Bodega Bay was especially memorable.
Jim had a positive impact on many people, of all ages, and he will be missed.
Amy Gingras-Tette
July 16, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Jims passing. He was always such a kind sole, a great friend to my mother and mentor and coach to my brother Neal for many years after he coached him in football. We hold your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Carol Craft
July 16, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim always made us laugh and was so very friendly. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Bob Craft, Jr., Carol and family.
Mike Richards
July 16, 2014
Mary: I was a classmate of yours and Jim's from USF, and I live nearby in Novato. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Jim and I had communicated a bit on LinkedIn, but I had forgotten to mention to him that I'm back on campus announcing USF baseball -- I think he would've liked that...Again, my deepest sympathies.
Matt Ragghianti
July 16, 2014
One of the best coaches I ever had. And definitely the funniest. You will be missed, Coach.
Janice GradyMettler
July 15, 2014
So very sad to hear of Jim's death. He was a great man, a good friend and will be missed. Condolences to his wife and family.
Beverley MCCallister
July 15, 2014
I am so sad about Jim's passing. He adored his boys and was so proud of them! I looked forward to seeing him when Tim was in my class. He always had a smile and a joke to share. Jim and Mary were great parents to work with!
I won't be able to be at the service but I mainly want Tim to know he is in my heart and I am so sad for his loss. Your dad will live on in your heart; memories don't die! Love, Bev Mc Callister
Beverley Mc Callister
July 15, 2014
I am so sad about Jim's passing. He adored his boys and was so proud of them! I looked forward to seeing him when Tim was in my class. He always had a smile and a joke to share. Jim and Mary were great parents to work with!
I won't be able to be at the service but I mainly want Tim to know he is in my heart and I am so sad for his loss. Your dad will live on in your heart; memories don't die! Love, Bev Mc Callister
Lori White Rolovich
July 15, 2014
Mary, Andy, Steve and Tim,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Jim. He was such an important part of the fabric of the Marin Catholic community for so many years, and also for so many young boys in sports throughout Marin. You are not alone, God is walking this journey with you. You all have an amazing angel watching over you now, and we are sending love and light for your broken hearts.
Ron Baum
July 15, 2014
Most of us run into someone along the way, someone other than a family member, who makes a major, positive difference. For our family it was Jim Nelson.
Nani Coyle (Tanner)
July 15, 2014
Dear Nelson Family, I am truly saddened to hear if Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful man and a friend for life. I knew Jim through Guarantee Mortgage, on Fridays he would take me out to yogurt. God Bless??
Cathy Young
July 15, 2014
Mary, so sorry for your loss.
Regards, Cathy Young
July 15, 2014
Love to the Nelsons. All who knew Jim and called him friend will miss him dearly. We are traveling and will miss the services, but our hearts will be with you all. -- Geoffrey Dohrmann and family
Geraldine Tracy
July 15, 2014
Coach Nelson was a great football coach, mentor and inspiration to my son Sean at Redwood High. We will never forget him. Geraldine Tracy
Peter Bales
July 15, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Nelson family. I am just one of many that Coach Nelson inspired on and off the football field to be a better person.
July 15, 2014
oh, Mary,
I just heard about your loss. I am so sorry. My heart is full of pain for you and your family, I will be out of town for the Mass but please know I will be thinking and praying for you and your boys. Please let me know if there is anything that Bill or I can do to comfort you, take care.
Always,
Rosemary and Bill
July 15, 2014
Jim was a great coach and a very caring man. He was patient, kind, and supporting to everyone he met. He will be missed.
Tanya Freitas
July 15, 2014
"I am so very sorry for your loss. We share your grief at this very sad and difficult time."
Ty Steenburgh
July 15, 2014
I remember Jim Nelson as a highly spirited person and always happy.
But as we all know he is in a better place to be.
July 15, 2014
Jim was instrumental in the launch and direction of the Wildcat Alumni Scholarship at Marin Catholic which awarded support to outstanding students who were related to MC alums. His positive influence as well as his generosity and thoughtfulness were tremendous.
Maureen Boyer
July 15, 2014
Jim was such a great guy as you know and had a great sense of humor - he will be dearly missed...-m
Sally Robert
July 15, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family of Jim Nelson. Jim was a Giant at Redwood High School, not only as a stellar coach, but with other student activities such as providing free printing for Senior Ball invitations. He was a generous, cheerful man dedicated to his family and the many athletes and students he served. He will be missed by so many. Aloha, Jim.
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