Jan Nelson

1939 - 2014

Jan Ellery Nelson
December 14, 1939 - May 30, 2014
Jan lost his two year battle with prostate cancer. The community has lost one of its finest citizens.
Jan was surrounded by his loved ones who reminded him of all the joy he brought us. He was the consummate husband, father, and friend. The family would like to thank the community for all their support, especially Dr. Chick Venturini for his tireless devotion to Jan (and the family) at all hours of the day and night.
Jan grew up in Oakland to parents Wayne and Rose Nelson and brother, Raymond Nelson. It was here that the everlasting friendship with Jerry Ogden and Eddie Belling began. It was also the foundation for what would become the PPP (Peerless Pigskin Prognosticators) a completion that he would dominate for over four decades.
Jan came to Modesto following his stint as an office in the Marines. Those who knew Jan realize how important the Marines were to him. The only thing more important was his family. He and his amazing wife Julia met while he was stationed in North Carolina. They moved to Camp Pendleton as they started their inspiring 50 year marriage. Every minute of every day, Jan thanked the stars for Julia.
Jan and Julia started their family (daughter Letha and son Edgar) in Modesto. Jan began his post-military career working as an accountant. A few years later he had the extreme pleasure of joining Valley Sporting Goods originally under the stewardship of Trevor Griffith and Joe Gere. He left his mark on all of us in the surrounding area through Little League leadership, high school sports support and supplying everyone's first bicycle.
He was the very proud father-in-law of Chris Johnson, Ed's incredible spouse. Jan was an unflinching supporter of marriage rights for all. This was never more apparent than when he welcomed his "third choice," Chuck Yonan, into their family. A decision he would remind Chuck of for over 20 years. He was the ever-present grandfather to Chuck and Letha's children Emilie and Jan Yonan. He was the model family man.
 
Jan was one of the founding members of Pacific Valley National Bank which eventually became Westamerica Bank. This was his continuous link to one of his closest friends Bob Cardoza. During his retirement he and Julia moved to Grass Valley and were immersed in the wonderful culture of Alta Sierra. It was also during this time that they were able to live out the dream of escaping to their Lake Tahoe cabin with Gigi, their 4 legged companion, and a host of friends and family.
During the final leg of his journey he and Julia wanted to be back with family and friends in Modesto. He was able to join forces again with his brother Ray and his wife Nancy. He was also part of a  lunch "gang" known as the ROMEOs (Real Old Men Eating Out) which included walks of wisdom and Wednesday lunches at the table of knowledge at the Velvet Creamery.
Jan was a pillar to his family reminding us that the only things that really matter are the ability to laugh at yourself and the importance of family.
Jan is survived by his wife Julia Nelson, his son Ed Nelson and husband Chris Johnson, daughter Letha Yonan and husband Chuck Yonan and their two children Emilie Yonan and Jan Yonan as well as his brother Ray Nelson and wife Nancy Nelson and Ray's daughter Emilie Reimer and her twins Townes and Izzy Reimer. Also surviving is Julia's brother Edgar Gurley and his wife Jean Gurley and their son Edgar Gurley and wife Wendy Gurley as well as their son Thaddeus Gurley.
Jan requested that there be no memorial services. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in remembrance of Jan to your favorite charity or donate to Cardoza Foundation.
Additionally, take a minute to remind someone how special they are to you. Jan never let us forget this.
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