Obituary of James Richard Nelson

James Richard Nelson December 1936 – May 2012 Jim was born on December 27, 1936 in Minot, North Dakota, and died on May 9, 2012 in Kent. Began his career with Todd Shipyard in 1957 as a draftsman advancing to a Procurement Engineer where he retired in 1992. Jim was a special individual, with love for life and a great sense of humor. Loved sports especially, the Mariners, Seahawks, Huskies and Cougars. Sports was his life, he enjoyed coaching his sons during their elementary school years. Jim also was an assistant coach of the Angels Track Club where he enjoyed coaching young women during the 1970’s. Genealogy was a passion for Jim. He would spend many hours searching for any link to his ancestry as family was important to him. Children of all ages were very special and he always believed that the definition of “family” did not just include blood relatives. Anne Rakestraw, a very close friend of many years, was important to him as well as her deceased husband Dick. Jim kept in contact with childhood friends and treated them like family, especially Lewis and Myrna Martindale, Bruce Krevey, and Kichio Ishimitsu who were very special to him. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku were his first order of business in the morning and he would complete them before he would proceed with the day. Jim also loved lighthouses and was particularly fond of camping with his family and friends at Fort Worden, Washington. Jim loved “gadgets” and was always searching for more, and he collected coca cola memorabilia, coins of all types, stamps, steins, and any item pertaining to wolves. Jim is survived by his wife, Marianne, of almost 52 years, three sons, Brent (Becky), Marc (Karen), Erik, and two grandsons, Brent and Anthony Nelson. He is also survived by his sister, Betty (Ted) Coates. He will be loved and missed by multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In November, Jim and Marianne took a much anticipated cruise adventure. The cruise highlight was when he swan with the stingrays off a reef near the Grand Cayman Islands. What a thrill for him and he never tired of sharing that special memory. The picture of Jim was taken on the cruise and it best expresses his personality. Jim will always be remembered for his Santa Claus personality and his ability to make people smile. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Pantera Lago Community Club beginning at 2:00 pm. In memory of Jim, donations can be made to the Group Health Foundation, Hospice Program, PO Box 34015, Seattle, Washington 98124-4015. His Family And Friends Will Miss Him Deeply