DUE TO A POWER OUTAGE THE FUNERAL HAS BEEN MOVED TO A DIFFERENT BUILDING. WE ARE AT THE LDS CHURCH BUILDING ON 200 NORTH 1051 EAST IN OREM. THE VIEWING WILL BE FROM 11:OO AM TO 12:00 PM. THE FUNERAL WILL START AT 12:30 PM

James Nephi Nelson, our gentle giant and adventurous nomad, unexpectedly left this life too soon on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the age of 32. He was surrounded in love by his family while he departed on his next grand adventure. As no surprise to anyone who knows him, James donated many organs to people waiting for a miracle, including his big, strong, generous heart. James graduated from Orem High School in 2008 with his associate's degree from Utah Valley University and then went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Utah.

James is survived by his parents, Scott and Karen Nelson; his brothers, Steven Nelson and Jon Nelson; his sisters, April Miller and Julia Nelson; and his in-laws Kristin Nelson, Sara Nelson, Todd Miller, and Michael Wilson. He also leaves behind his adored nieces and nephews: Elizabeth & Emily Nelson; Claire & Abigail Goodman; Jubilee & Logan Nelson; Luke, Vaughn, & Violet Miller; and Ronan Huntbach.

James inspired so many with his courage, his resilience, and his prioritization of the things that he cherished: family, love, relationships, and experiences. He was unbounded by expectations, earthly belongings, and predictability. He loved connecting with nature, whether backpacking around the world, running glacier tours in Alaska, or harvesting his backyard garden. He immersed himself in spirituality, studying religious texts from all world religions, setting a goal to attend the temple, and participating with his YSA ward. He enjoyed rocking out on his bass guitar, covering his room with colorful and bold paintings, and laughing and playing with his nieces and nephews. James lived life with fullness and love.

We grieve that he won't be with us to experience life and make memories. We miss his kind, open smile. We miss his authenticity. We miss James and look forward to being reunited with him in the next life. We send him on his next grand adventure knowing he has an abundance of love in his heart and that he will be upheld by his new found faith in Jesus Christ.

James will always be remembered as an amazing son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He wanted people to know that he cared, and he did that by just being present with them. We all want to be a little bit more like James in that way. We miss you, James, and we love you.