James Wesley 'Jim' Nelson, 79

| May 9, 2006 9:00 PM

James Wesley "Jim" Nelson, 79, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2006, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint with Pastor Dennis Hanson and Pastor Dave Olson officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery Niche Wall.

Jim was born March 20, 1927, in Sandpoint, the son of A.R. "Steve" and Dottie G. Nelson. He attended Sandpoint High School, graduating in 1945. He also attended Farragut College, Spokane Trade School and the University of Idaho.

Jim entered the United States Navy the day after he graduated from high school, and served for two years at the end of World War II, on the USS Glynn and The USS Saratoga.

Jim married Alice Mary Stockman on Sept. 12, 1948, in Sprague, Wash. He worked as a driver/salesman for Continental Baking Company for more than 20 years. He finished his career as owner/broker of Kaniksu Reality.

Jim was an active member of the First Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Sandpoint Rotary Club, and a life member of the Sandpoint Elks Lodge and Golf Club.

He was an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for more than 10 years. Jim's passion was gardening and he was known for supplying his friends with produce.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice M. Nelson of Sandpoint; two sons, Mark (Sonoe) Nelson of Yokasuka, Japan, and Jon (Paula) Nelson of Clarksville, Tenn.; a daughter, Leslie (Bob) Springsteen of Saratoga, Wyo.; five grandchildren, Marshall, Erika, and Ashley Nelson; Wyatt and Gabriel Springsteen; a niece, Penny Armstrong; several nephews, and sister-in-law Mary V. Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Bob and Jack Nelson.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the First Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

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