In Loving Memory

Jimmy Reed Nelson

12/28/1946 — 7/1/2024

Bunker Family Funerals

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Jimmy Reed Nelson, our beloved father and grandfather, returned to his heavenly home on July 1, 2024, with his children by his side. Jim was born on December 28, 1946, to Reed and Elaine Nelson and grew up in Ephraim Utah. As a young boy, Jim enjoyed fishing, water skiing, boating and participating in 4-H where he had prize winning Suffolk sheep. Jim was very active in school including playing basketball and serving as student body president. Everyone knew Jim and he was a great friend to all. At the age of 19, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission and made lifelong friends with those he met. After returning from his mission, he married Marie Van Epps in the Manti Temple on January 25, 1969. They would then move to Tempe Arizona where they built their life and family together.

Jim graduated from ASU in Business Management and for 35 years owned Jim’s Exxon in Tempe, AZ. Jim was a long-time resident of Tempe and an active member of the community and in his church serving in multiple church callings.

Jim had a big heart and would strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. He made friends everywhere he went including those around the world he would meet on his travels with his dear wife. Jim and Marie were blessed to not only travel the world but also serve a church mission together in Norway which was one of the highlights of their life.

Jim is survived by his 4 children; Bryan (Quincy), Tonya Sanders (Jason), Marty (Cindy), Mandy Huffaker (Stephen), 13 grandchildren; Stone (Amzi), Drake (Courtney), Sadie (Adam), Creed, Haylie (Cole), Macie (Bridger), Tate, Cade, Chase, Gavin, Mace, Aro, Simeon and great-grandson, Brixton. He is also survived by his two brothers, Doug and Kirk.

Jim is preceded in death by his sweetheart Marie, his oldest daughter Jennifer and his parents Reed and Elaine.

Funeral services for Jim will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:00am with a family visitation beforehand at 9:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints Tempe West Stake Center, 1050 W Grove Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85283.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com . Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com , please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Saturday, July 13, 2024 · 10:00 AM

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Linda B. Holmes

My deepest condolences with the passing of your father, grandfather and brother. May you be encircled with Heavenly Father’s love and peace during this difficult time. Jim made the world a better place with his kind heart, delightful personality, dedication and service. He will be greatly missed.

Dave and Laura Bradley

We are so sad. Jim was our friend and classmate. So many fun memories of Jim and Marie. Our condolences to all your family.

Diana and Jonathan Biktjorn

We are so sorry for your loss. We got to be aquainted with both Jim and Marie in Norway while they were serving on a mission. They both have a special place in our hearts forever. Jim stayed in touch with us even after Marie died. Now they are together again. Its a sad thing for those of us still here, but someday We will see each other again im sure. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family. Love Diana, Jonathan , Lukas,Mai-Brit, Sabrina, Steinar, Anton, Mia and Liam.

Shannon Sparks

Gabby and I are eternally blessed to have known Jim and Marie and their thoughtful, kind hearts.

Bob Markham

My most sincere condolences to the family of Jim. I always enjoyed my conversations with Jim and our mutual love of all things automotive. What a pleasant man to be around.

Adam & Becky Östhed

We are so sadden by the loss of your father and grandfather! He was so kind and welcoming. We love your family and will be praying for peace and comfort for you all!

Lloyd Winward

Jim was one of the finest and humble men I ever knew. He was an example in business and in his dealings with the public and those he knew and served. I’m thankful to have met and known him over 40 plus years. May God bless his family as they remember and mourn his passing while celebrating his being in a better place with all those who preceded him into the next and better world.

Rick & Jolene Gilbert

We had the privilege of sharing bread and a bowl of fiske suppe with Jim & Marie while they were on their mission in Norway. While on that trip to Lofoten, Norway, we also saw Jim’s genuine love for others, especially complete strangers. He and Marie were one of a kind, and we will always cherish their friendship. To their wonderful family, we understand the blessing it was to have them as an integral part of your lives. May we all be blessed to carry fond memories of the Nelsons and strive to be as genuine and loving as they were.

Berniece aubrey and Amy

I am saddened by the loss of my friend and Neighbor. My deepest condolences to your family. I am so blessed to have known Marie and jim. They have taken my daughter and I and showed us a brand new world. Marie coming over And just spending time and talking to Us jim telling me his greatest accomplishment is to have us baptized. He succeeded. Their love of life And people were just amazing. And unconditional. I never thought someone could be so wonderful and so kindhearted. I’m glad I got the chance to get to know them. I wish I would get the chance to know Their children. How the most wonderful people that I’ve met in my life. they had to have made the most wonderful children as well. We will miss jim as we miss marie. Amy Will miss jim too. I never realized until today at the funeral that Jim‘s bedroom was by the orange tree and a regular basis when Amy could get out, she would always go to the orange tree and tap on the window. Jim would look out and say hi to her. Until we meet in heaven My love and prayers to everyone

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