Jack Nelson

2004 - 2024

Jack Nelson
03/09/2004 - 11/27/2024
Our family mourns the loss of our beautiful son and brother, Jack Robert Nelson, 20, of Piedmont California, who died November 27, 2024 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was born March 9, 2004, in Westerville, Ohio, the son of Todd and Stannye Nelson.
Jack was always full of life. He made an impact on many as a kind and joyful young man. Jack was an exceptional athlete, loved the outdoors and adventure. More than anything, Jack cared greatly for people, was a loving and fiercely loyal friend, and had a strong faith he proudly shared through the cross he wore every day.
Jack loved to interact with the world around him.
The family journey led to many adventures, including living two years in Thailand and three years in Canada. Jack always found the magic of the world through his experiences – he loved exploring, asking questions and learning. The family settled in Piedmont, California, and through his twelve years in this city and around the Bay Area, Jack generated a strong friend group and felt connected to so many. Jack had the power to bring fun and joy to those around him, and his beautiful smile and infectious laugh were always present.
Jack had a passion for sports and was a member of multiple travel lacrosse and soccer teams. At Piedmont High School, Jack was a rare individual playing three varsity sports: football, soccer and lacrosse. Jack played running back and linebacker for the varsity football team and was known for his physicality and speed. As captain of the Piedmont High lacrosse team, Jack played virtually every minute of every game, leading the team to multiple championships. Jack capped off his storied athletics legacy by being named Piedmont High School Athlete of the Year.
Jack balanced his athletics with academics and was an honor student throughout his high school experience. Jack had an interest in business and selected University of Colorado, Boulder to pursue his studies. He joined the Sigma Nu fraternity and became heavily involved, creating many strong friendships and being recently elected to serve as rush chairman.
Jack's love of adventure led him to become a certified scuba diver, an accomplished mountain biker and avid hiker. Jack started skiing when he was six years-old and was exceptional. Jack drew a fast and elegant line and was always the first down the mountain.
Jack was a young man of character who loved to help others. He was first to defend a friend or pull up a schoolmate who was struggling. He was also patriotic and would frequently express love for his country and those who served. Jack coached Skyline youth lacrosse and helped to mentor new athletes to the sport. Jack spent three spring breaks working to build houses in Tijuana, Mexico as part of the Piedmont Community Church Mexico service trip. As a leader, he was known for his strong work ethic and supportive leadership.
Jack was the middle of three children in the Nelson family and was a wonderful brother to his older sister, Ashley, and younger brother, Rylan. Jack and Rylan played together on multiple high school sports teams and Jack was always known to "have Rylan's back." There were countless favorite moments like when Jack would assist Rylan for a "Nelson to Nelson goal." As the older sister, Ashley set a strong example and was always a source of advice, reassurance, and love. The entire family felt the love of Jack, who was so proud to be a Nelson.
Jack had a strong faith throughout his life and was a confirmed Catholic and parishioner at Corpus Christi Church in Oakland. He would light up in a discussion about Christianity or the Catholic Church, and always highlighted the importance of faith and making a positive impact on the world.
Jack is survived by his parents, Todd and Stannye of Piedmont California; his brother, Rylan, a student at Indiana University, Bloomington; and his sister, Ashley, a recent graduate of Lehigh University, who resides in Manhattan. He is also survived by grandparents, Shirley Beaudry, and John and Sheryle Nelson; as well as by his aunts and uncles and six cousins.
Jack will always be a part of our family and, while his time was far too short, we know that his memory and spirit will carry on for all that knew him.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 322 St. James Dr., Piedmont, CA 94611. Please join the family for a reception immediately following at the Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611. Donations may be made in Jack's memory to Oakland Catholic Worker (oaklandcatholicworker.org) or Oakland Lacrosse (oaklandlacrosse.org).