I had the honor of  working with Jim at Legoland for quite a few years. Once you got to know him, he was always so happy and encouraging. Rest in peace Jim!

I came to Carlsbad in 1948 or 49. Right away I started hearing about Jim Nelson, especially from his brother Tom, who was in my class. I know Jim was a great brother but later, when I got to know Jim and Martha, I saw that he was a wonderful husband, father and friend. Jim was a friend to me. So many times he was there, along with Martha, with a helping hand, advice and his great smile. There were some tough times as well as fun times. Jim never failed to be there for me and my family, always dependable and understanding. One thing was always clear with Jim. He loved his family. He had updates about Dirk and Shan and their families every time I saw him. I will miss Jim.
Martha, Dirk, and Shan, know that Jim left us with bundles of great memories. Love you all,Judy

My heart goes out to all of Jim's family as I've know the Nelson family for about 50 years now. As kids growing up in Carlsbad in the late fifties we were friends with this wonderful family. We often went to the beach together, swimming lessons,birthday parties and celebrated the July 4th festivities at Holiday Park. I remember Mr. "Jim" Nelson participating in the three legged and the potato sack race with the rest of us. It was alot of fun, and He even finished the race. In grade school I remember getting the then popular stickers for the outside cover of our school notebooks from Dragmaster. They were the Quietzone, Bardahl oil and others. You were cool if you had one. Dirk and I had several. Then, in 1964, Mr. Nelson was making a racing movie called the "Lively Set". Wow! I was really cool now knowing Dirk with his Dad being a movie star. As the years pasted and I became old enough to drive, I always seem to end up at Jim's shop with a car problem. My cars weren't that great to begin with but they always ran sooo much better when Jim finished with them. I always seemed to get a great deal on the price too. Thanks Jim. In closing, Jim did a great job raising his two boys as they both grew to be responcible men, husbands and Fathers. Our best, as my family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Jim Nelson was the best of business neighbors.  We so appreciated his friendliness and cooperation.  It was a privilege to call him a friend. 

Mary Ellen and Hank Gregg (the vet)

well at least for Jim ,the hard part is over. Now the rest of us, soon our time will come. 

















keep the 
faith.

What an incredible person!  Had the honor to work and know Jim for 7 years at LEGOLAND.  He was a kind soul and will be sorely missed.  He enjoyed everyday and made everyone he came in contact with better.  Your in a better place my friend.  We will never forget you!

...What'a guy...part of our Mensa Club at the Village Grill..one day we added up all our I Q's..and we made it..just barely..some days we were only the Mens Club..He made me enter the first Carlsbad 5K race..I just ran my 26th one in a row because of him..Jimmy was a serious runner..real good..took me 1/2 a pack of smokes and 2 hrs my first race..we ran in every race together after that..all over San Diego county..He tricked me once into doing a 10K in Oceanside..He said..come on Pauly..get in that line over there..bout killed me..the fox..Jim loved his family..Told me once..if it wasn't for Martha I'da been broke long ago..With Jim..the stories,jokes and laughter was endless..Rest in Peace Jimmy..We have all missed you these last few years..What'a guy...Pauly..

Sorry to here about Jim.Fond memorys of fomer years. Our love ,thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. 
Lyle Brill

Thankyou for inviting me into the conversation. Jim Nelson was truly a remarkable and well loved man.

Jim. I am glad to have known you as a friend. You were a big help and inspiration on my Dragmaster. To the motor sport world and all of us your passing is a great loss.

My most sincere sympathy on your loss.  Jim was one in a million.  I have known him since OCHS and  his Oiler days.  Always a race car man.  I bet he is already organizing races in heaven. May he rest in peace.

MY DEEPEST  SYMPATHY.  JIM WAS MY COMPANION AT TURN STILLS AT LEGOLAND.  HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. RICHARD MASCH

So very sorry for your loss, he was a good man from a good family I was a neighbor to Tom Nelson for many years. Both brothers were and always will be remembered for many great things one of which is how there both giveing people. My heart felt sympothy to Tom,Dode , You guys are the greatest. From, Mark Simmons, and Family.

RIP Uncle Jim, you are gone, but will always be remembered. Love The MacPherson's

Very sorry to hear of Jim's loss.  Jim and Dode's Dragmaster company conjured up wonderful dreams of cars and racing.  Following the service, actually going there after moving to Carlsbad was a dream come true.  Great people, Jim will be sorely missed.

Bob Beecroft
Fallbrook.

Jim Nelson was a man that would bring a smile to your face within seconds of talking to him. He was always so happy and had good things to say. I cherish all the times I spent with Jim & Tom Nelson, and the rest of the crew, after hours, at Dragmaster in Carlsbad. Jim was a wonderful man and a Drag Racer to the core. He left an everlasting impression on me and he will forever be in my thoughts. Rest in peace Jim. Someday we will ALL be together again for the ultimate drag racing reunion amongst the stars!
Your friend and fan, Matt Hansink

Dear Nelson family,  Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the passing of Jim Nelson. My dad was a member of the Oilers Car Club. I remember going to meetings at the Twin Inns with my parents. I don't believe that Mr. Nelsons contribution to Drag Racing can be over stated. God Bless you all. Arvel Sass

So many memeories of the 10+ years we worked/played together at Legoland in Funtown. Jim was always receiving guest complements, making each child have an awesome day, and encouraging fellow workers. May God send peace and comfort to those who are mourning.

Jim  was one in a Million! I was one of the many blessed to have worked w/Jim for over 7yrs @ Legoland & even more blessed to call him a friend. He will truly be missed. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.

All of his LEGOLAND family was so sad to hear of your loss.  Jim was such a gem and the world will not be the same without him!

OBITUARY

Jim "George" James Nelson

July 9, 1927 – May 9, 2012

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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