Joel Nelson

1986 - 2016

Joel Nelson Joel Nelson was born on July 2, 1986 in Olympia, WA, and passed away on January 5, 2016. Joel graduated from North Thurston High School in 2004. Throughout his school years he excelled in all athletic programs. He participated in Lacey Junior Baseball program from the time he was in Kindergarten. In high school he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He went on to Green River Community College where he spent two years as a pitcher on the baseball team. Joel was a very competitive ball player. Joel spent numerous years working on the bay in Shelton on his families' Clam and Oyster Farm. He also worked on his grandparents Cattle Ranch where he became an expert in handling and processing cattle. He worked briefly for the State Fish and Wildlife Agency and the City of Lacey Parks and Recreation. While Joel lived on Anderson Island he was trained and functioned as a firefighter for the local fire station. He also helped senior citizens maintain their homes and yards. Joel was a positive influence in the Community as a coach and mentor to young boys in the art of baseball. He left behind a wonderful woman, Noel, and her young son, Max who he loved very dearly, as they loved him. All he wanted to do is see Max grow up and be the fine young man he is today. Joel left behind his father, Joe Nelson; mother, Luanna Suttles; sisters, Clarissa Montez and Shaylynn Tatom; stepmother, Susan Nelson; two brothers, Bo Knittle and Cory Knittle. He left behind grandparents, Bill and Ramona Jones of Olympia, and Jim and Georgia Harvey of Mossy Rock. He had aunts and uncles throughout the United States. Joel you will be dearly missed - we all love ya bud! All donations will go to the Lacey Youth Baseball program in the name of Joel Nelson. Services will be held on January 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., at the Lutheran Good Shepard Church, 1601 North Street SE Olympia, WA.