A D Eisenhower High School
James Russell Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 29, 2025 at Tel Hai Retirement Community. He was married to Catherine (Berkery) Nelson for 62 years. Jim will be remembered for his gregarious personality and boundless energy.
Surviving along with his wife are his three children: Laurianne, wife of Todd Kelly of Gilbertsville, PA; Mark, husband of Amy (Siegle) Nelson of Downingtown, PA; and Kelly, wife of Ted Watson of Wheaton, IL. He will also be missed by his eight grandchildren: Justin, Brett, Casey, Zachary, T.J., Sabrina, Tim, and Abigail.
Jim was born May 22, 1937 in Chicago, IL to the late Stanton L. and Laura (Haase) Nelson. He had two half-siblings, Gay Elliott Gillespie and Larry Nelson, who predeceased him. He graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1955. At Denison University, he earned a BS in physical education and minored in English. In the summer of 1959, he met the love of his life, Cathy. While she completed nursing school, he served 2.5 years in the Army, one year stationed in Korea. They married December 29, 1962.
For 37 years, Jim taught English at Norristown Area High School. He was recognized for his innovative lessons and his desire to teach students of all abilities. The yearbook was twice dedicated to him, and a scholarship was created in his name while he was still teaching. He took special pride in his creative writing class. He used his empathy, his tireless vivacity, and his humor for the betterment of his students. He also served many years as English Department Chair.
Jim was also known for his competitive spirit. He played high school, legion, and college baseball and coached soccer, baseball, and tennis. With daughter Kelly, Jim played mixed doubles tennis for years, ultimately competing in the Equitable Family Tennis Tournament, reaching the national finals during the 1982 US Open at Flushing Meadows. Long into retirement, he perfected his golf game with his buddies. The annual shore vacation at Rehoboth Beach saw him setting paddle ball records, body surfing (despite frequent admonishing from his family), competing in corn hole tournaments, and winning Hearts and Uno card games. When there was roughhousing in the swimming pool, Jim was invariably at the center of it. Whether it was card games or sports, his grandchildren learned quickly you had to win authentically to beat Granddad.
Jim's eclectic hobbies included reading mystery novels, completing crossword puzzles, growing vegetables in his backyard garden (and prolific raspberry patch), and baking. Relatives and neighbors eagerly anticipated Christmas gifts of his zucchini bread and cinnamon buns. He relished watching all sports on television, especially the Phillies and Eagles. Jim loved eating out with friends and family. He was always on the lookout for the ultimate Oyster Po' Boy sandwich or the most delicious gnocchi. At home he was the grill master at many a gathering, which according to Jim allowed him the perk of the first hotdog right off the grill.
A short visitation period will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 21 in the Tel Hai auditorium/chapel, 3100 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344. Guests should use the East Entrance. The Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon. Although more formal attire is fine, Jim would be just as happy if you showed up in a polo and khakis.
Donations can be made to either the Tel Hai Care Assurance Program or the Tel Hai Good Samaritan Fund at Tel Hai Retirement Community, Office of Development, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, PO Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.
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