Jack Zumwalt Nelson, 85

Jack Zumwalt Nelson, 85, passed away, Monday, April 25, 2005, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Jack's cremated remains will be placed in the Lakeview Cemetery Niche Wall on the Pend Oreille River.

Jack was a native of Sandpoint, born on April 13, 1920. His father Axel "Steve" Nelson, a native of Sweden and his mother Dottie, a pioneer of Washington, were long-time residents of Sandpoint.

After graduating from Sandpoint High in 1938, he attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a degree in chemical engineering. During his college years he met the love of his life Mary Virginia Burch.

They married in 1943, beginning their long loving life together. Jack served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was a highly successful engineer, holding both technical and management positions with ALCOA. He managed projects in Montreal and France. He returned to the Sandpoint area after retiring in 1979, and spent the next 20 years on the Pend Oreille River near Laclede.

His passion was gardening, to the delight of both friends and neighbors. As an early adopter of organic gardening principles, Jack, Mary, and their neighbors enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables all summer long.

Jack was active in the church, serving on many parish councils. He was active in the Boy Scouts, as a young boy and as an adult.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia Nelson of Sandpoint, Idaho; four sons, Bill (Carol) Nelson of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; John Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz., Paul Nelson of Phoenix and Noel (Mary Kay) Nelson of Bellevue, Wash.; a brother, James (Alice) Nelson of Sandpoint; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jacks memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.