James Leo Nelson

Coach Nelson 

Born February 9, 1942.

James Leo Nelson was a servant of the Lord, and with that pretext a wonderful father of 5, loving husband, and a good brother to 4 and 20 aspiring grandkids. On the rare occasion that he would talk about his passing on to the spirit world he would reference the movie titled ‘Big Fish’.  His family only experienced a small portion of his extraordinary life. Dad would quote to me “the only people who really know me are those that don’t know me”.  He grew up in a small town in Minnesota, sleeping in the back of his father's bakery on flour sacks dreaming of the day he would be old enough to hit the road. The old-timers in town nicknamed him Ford for the little ford wagon he would pull around town from first light till sunset. Ford was always on the move.  Life didn’t change much by the time he left is roots in Barnesville. He hitchhiked from coast to coast sharing and giving his good nature and kindness to all.   Soon he found himself in the Air Force Playing Football in which he would later coach for many teams in many different states, ending up in Wilder ID.  He was an avid supporter and educator for the youth in their development for success. His most famed words were ‘Fire, Fire, Fire’!    For life was like the game of football! You have to go get it! Don’t wait for it to come to you!   Everyone who knew James or might of had the chance to know him will miss him greatly, as we strive to continue the legacy of love he left behind.

Died July 8, 2021.

Services will be held on July 17, 2021 at 4:00 pm. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 915 Banks Lowman Rd. Garden Valley, ID 83622