James Thad Nelson

James Thad Nelson, 78, died as a result of a massive stroke on August 31, 2012 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. Thad, as he was known to family and friends was born the oldest son and 2nd child of James Wilbur and Rilda Luella Stocks Nelson on February 7, 1934 in Lewiston, Utah.

At age 20 he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and served as a survival instructor until November 1957. He graduated from Central Washington College of Education in 1961 with a degree in Physical Education.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he married his eternal sweetheart Lois Ann Byington in the Logan Utah Temple on September 25, 1959. Together they raised 8 children, 3 boys and 5 girls. Vicky Crookston of Magna, UT; Jackie (Bruce) Hirz of Moses Lake, WA; Blane Nelson of Lehi, Utah; Geraldine Nelson (deceased); Bruce Nelson of Moses Lake, WA; Caralee Beers of Meridian, ID; Terry (Tara) Nelson of Hillsboro, OR; Tracy (Eric) Foryan of Pullman, WA.

Thad was employed by the North Franklin County School District for many years, he taught science, math and woodshop at the Junior High School in Connell, WA and coached football, basketball, wrestling and track teams. After briefly pursuing a business opportunity in Utah the family moved to Moses Lake where he held a variety of positions before retiring after a stroke in 1990. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking and camping and instilled that love of nature to his children. He volunteered countless hours to Scouting and church service. He loved woodworking, art, and gardening and shared those talents unselfishly. Though his health has suffered for many years he has always been willing to do whatever he could to help anyone in need. He has always been an example of unselfish service to those who have known him.

He is survived by his wife and children, a brother, Dallace (Ki) Nelson and 4 sisters, LaFaun Johnson; Nola Sedgewick; Hallie (Larry) Lasater; Robyn (Clark) Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Susan, his brother Sharon, brothers-in-law Derral Johnson and Paul Sedgewick. Along with his infant daughter Geraldine and son-in-law Stephen Crookston, they were there in Heaven to welcome him home. God be with you til we meet again.

Viewing will be from 9:15 - 9:45 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2012 with funeral services to follow at 10:00 a.m., in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grape Drive Chapel, 925 N. Grape Dr., Moses Lake, WA 98837. Burial and concluding services will full military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake, WA.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and sign the family's on-line guest book at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Thad's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for arrangements.