James R. Nielsen

James R. “Jay” Nielsen left this life after a lengthy illness. He was always patient, kind and grateful for all that was done for him, he was “Terrific”. He was born February 5, 1927 in Preston, Idaho to Harvey James and Almeda Rawlings Nielsen. He grew up in Vallejo, California.

After High School, Jay served in W.W.II as a Merchant Seaman on ships that transported materials to the servicemen in the Pacific. General Douglas MacArthur said “I hold no branch higher esteem than the Merchant Marine Service”.

On April 17, 1946, Jay married his High School Sweetheart, Dawn Williams in the Logan LDS Temple. They have had a happy and eventful 66 years together. He was an active and faithful member of the LDS Church.

Jay loved music and sports. He was a Football Star in High School and also played the Trombone in the School Orchestra and in the Dance Bands. He had a beautiful bass voice and sang in quartets and choirs. While he was on his mission he sang with the 1947 “Centennial Chorus” touring and giving concerts in the Eastern States Mission.

Jay worked as a salesman and businessman most of his life. He had his own company “City Typewriter Service”. His greatest joy came from a close-knit family, which consists of four sons and a daughter and their mates, 37 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren with 2 more due soon.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings; Brothers: Von, Theral, and Melvin, Sisters: Adele Denton and Ruth Jones, a son Harvey James, two grandsons Clifford and James Nielsen. He is survived by his wife Dawna, his children Lorin (Candice), Arimo, Mark (Carolyn), West Jordan, Utah, Denise (Michael) Kelly, South Bend, Indiana, Jay (Anita), Fredericksburg, Virginia, and two special people, Della Thomason and Marsha Thornock.

To our neighbors and friends who have been so kind and helpful, we love you and thank you. We appreciate the special care given by Encompass Hospice. You have all been “Terrific”.


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