James F. Nelson

The family of James Franklin Nelson bids an affectionate farewell to a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and downright good man who graduated from this Earthly existence on January 15, 2025, at the age of 89. 

As the fifth of seven children, he was born on August 11, 1935, in Ferron, Utah, and is now with Catherine, his loving companion of 63 years, who died in the spring of 2020.

He loved growing up in the town of Ferron and thrived as a country boy. He helped his father on the family farm which led to a career of managing the Emery County and later also the Carbon County offices of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, overseeing programs to help farmers and ranchers with land use and farm commodities.

Jim has enjoyed the beautiful desert and mountains of Emery County, particularly fishing and recreating on his four-wheeler or side-by-side. However, Jim’s passion was developing relationships. He loved to visit with everyone, including striking up a conversation with strangers. In his final weeks, he was busy calling and talking to his extensive list of friends and family.

Jim and Catherine married on December 7, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple where they began their eternal journey. While walking the covenant path, his faith has grown from testimony to conversion. He and Catherine served missions in Roseville, California, and Cove Fort, Utah.

Upon retirement, Jim and Catherine added the title of “snowbirds” and began their yearly migration to Quartzsite, Arizona. There they enjoyed the warmth and sunshine, but most importantly the friendship of dear neighbors. It was in Quartzsite that Jim and Catherine made the acquaintance of Chuck and Alice Millspaugh. The couples served together as missionaries in 2009 at Cove Fort. As a widower, Jim enjoyed spending time with Alice, whose husband had died several years earlier. They married on October 8, 2022, and have enjoyed each other’s companionship since.

He is survived by his children, Margaret (Rafael) Gonzalez of Riverton, Utah, and Joseph (Maxine) Nelson of Sturgis, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Glenna (Gary) Kofford, Becky Nelson, Colleen Nelson, and Marva Peterson; brothers-in-law, Jay (Ann) DeFriez and Roger (Diana) DeFriez; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 bonus great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bryant Andrew Nelson and Gladys Braithwaite; his siblings, LaRue, Dora Dean, Glenna, Bryant Glade, his twin Joseph, and Earl. 

Funeral service, Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Castle Dale Stake Center where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment, Ferron City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Huntsman Cancer Institute, American Red Cross, or Latter-day Saint Charities. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com.