Fairfax - James "Jim" Frank Nelson, 73, peacefully left his mortal vessel on Thursday July 23, 2020 at 9:35 p.m. to spend eternity in Heaven. He died at the hospital surrounded by family following a tough battle with cancer. We are confident that he is Heaven with Our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Father and Creator, GOD. The Heavens gained a great man and it will be much louder there now as we are sure he's riding across the clouds on one of his bikes! He will forever be missed but never forgotten.
Jim was born on September 11, 1946 in Proctor, VT the son of Richard and Leota (Wilder) Nelson of St. Albans, VT.
He graduated from BFA St. Albans with the Class of 1964. While in school, he was on the BFA Student Council and was a Junior Police Officer.
Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy where he went to the US Navel Submarine School, New London, Conn., in 1965, Engineman "A" School, at the US Navy, Great Lakes, Illinois in 1966, and Seaer Training in Coronado, Calif., in 1967. During his military years, he was a Patrol Boat Captain and Qualified Submariner during Vietnam. Of his 7 years of service he was on the sea for over 3 years, serving during the TET Offensive, aboard the USS Carbonero SS337. Jim received the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Jim was wounded by shrapnel from a grenade and was a POW and still made it home.
He worked at the Central VT Railroad from 1970 - 1995, as Leading Maintainer Communication and Signals, and an Engine House Electrician. He loved his job there. He later worked at Twin State Building Supply from 2001 - 2010.
He was a man among men, and a patriot among patriots and loved his country until the day he died. Jim raised his 2 sons in Milton, and there was usually more than just the 2 kids there, as his house was the neighborhood spot to be, and he was a great friend and Dad to many. He did his very best as a single father to keep a roof over their heads. They never went hungry and always had what they needed, though not always what they wanted. 98% of the meals were homecooked and many can testify to how good of a cook he was. He absolutely adored his family and friends and taught them many valuable lessons and things that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. He was the kind of man that would literally give you the shirt off his back if you were in need.
He loved to be surrounded by family and friends. He loved hunting and fishing, riding Harleys, and spending time on his land. Many know his passion for Harley Davidsons, to the point they lived with his Bronson Special in their living room for quite some time while he fixed it. He loved going to Harley Rendezvous, Blondin's Annual Pig Roasts, Snake Mountain Boogies, the Toy Run and Thunder Run. He lived for his children and grandchildren and loved being with them.
He was a member of Freedom of the Road, the founding organization of the Thunder Run in VT. He was a Freemason and Shriner like his father. He was a NASCAR Limited Sport Driver, held his Malibu Grand Prix Racing License, was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Royal Rod Auto Club, Boys Scout Troop # 1 in St. Albans, then Den Leader for the Boys in the 90's in Milton.
Dad was baptized Protestant as a child at the 1st Congregational Church in St. Albans. He held a very strong belief and close relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his sons Jeremiah of St. George and Jamie and his fianc Jamie of Essex Junction. Their mother and his ex-wife, Jennifer Nelson. His grandchildren Owen, James, Isiah, Ella and Cooper. His sister, Sandra (Nelson) and her husbsnd Ed Bracey. Nieces and nephews Mark Hojoboom, Nicole Hilliker, Michelle Madore, and Stephen Bracey. Countless friends and "brothers" who he always held close to his heart. He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Leota Nelson and his sister Candice "Candy" Malloy.
We know that Jim is watching over us all smiling as we make our way through this crazy life and know he appreciates all the love and support we are all sharing with each other. He brought so many of us together. This world will not be the same without him!
We invite everyone who wants to pay their respects to meet at the Minor Funeral Home on Sunday August 23, 2020 at Noon. We will have a procession from Minors to his final resting place at his land" in Fairfax,168 Meade Road. To locate Jim's land, enter at the driveway that is marked "154 Meade Road". If you have a motorcycle, please ride it in Jim's honor. We will have a wake and funeral there. Jim will receive military honors and have a graveside service. If you cannot meet at the funeral home please meet us at the land.
You can send flowers to Minors or donate to the Go Fund Me: Help the boys with funeral expenses for "Jimdad".
We are organizing a memorial ride for Jim in early September. Please keep in touch for details.
We are going to be mindful of Covid Restrictions so please bring a mask.