James J. (Jim) (A.R.) Nelson passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, at his home in Corning, NY.
Jim’s parents are the late William and Mary Nelson. He graduated from the “last class of 63” at Northside High School.
Jim was born, raised, worked, volunteered and lived in Corning, New York, all his life except for four years he served in the Air Force. It was during those four years when he was stationed in Nashville, Tennessee he met and married his wife of 54 years, Joyce. Jim and Joyce have two children; Laura Nelson and Jeffrey (Ashley) Nelson. They have three wonderful grandchildren, Sophia, Iris and Oliver.
Jim and Joyce returned to Corning in June 1970 from his military duty. Jim followed his father’s footsteps and immediately joined the Corning Police Department where he worked for 25 years. In 1995 upon his retirement from the Police Department he had a desire to continue serving the Community of Corning and was elected to the Corning City Council where he served for 22 years. He was proud to serve as Deputy Mayor for two mayors.
Jim found a passion working and volunteering with Five Rivers Council Boy Scouts. He was serving on the Executive Board and had been a District Commissioner. He was most proud of being given the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award. For the past 23 years Boy Scout Camp Gorton is where Jim spent his summers. Helping in all areas of the Camp he became known as “A.R.” (Assistant Ranger). He was inducted into Camp Gorton Hall of Fame July 2019 along with his very good friends, Jim Thomas and Don Many. Jim is also a member of Scouting’s Order of the Arrow recognized with the Vigil Honor. Recently he was honored to be presented with the Founders Award.
Jim is a member of Corning Painted Post Masonic Lodge 168 and Eastern Star Unity Chapter. He held local and state offices in the Order of Eastern Star.
Several years ago Jim decided he wanted to work part time for Phillips, Carpenter's and Flint Funeral Homes. This was another opportunity for him to assist people at the same time meeting and greeting old and new friends.
Keuka Lake is another large part of Jim’s life. His parents bought a cottage there when he was 3 years old. He has spent part of the summer at the lake with family and friends since. His parents use to say he had Keuka Lake water flowing through his veins he loved being in or near the water so much.
The First Congregational Church has been an important part of Jim’s life. He was baptized as an infant in the church and has lived next door to the current church for 65 years. As a youth he watched the “new church” being built at the corner of West Pulteney Street and Pritchard Avenue. In later years, he was known as the person to go to if you needed to know anything about the building or grounds. Over the years he has held many leadership roles and has been a member of every board of the church. Jim has been a source of operational information and advice to many ministers and his church family. In recent years, if you were driving down West Pulteney Street in the spring, summer or fall, you could always see Jim riding the lawn mower cutting the church lawn.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 West Pulteney St., Corning, NY. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 171 West Pulteney Street, Corning, New York with full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be sent to: First Congregational Church, Endowment Fund, 171 West Pulteney Street, Corning, NY. 14830 OR Five Rivers Council 244 West Water Street, Suite 10, Elmira, N.Y. 14901 and write in memo line Jim Nelson Memorial. The funds will be designated to Camp Gorton.