Jack A. Nelson

JACK A. NELSON 83, of Winston, Oregon left his Esophageal Cancer ridden body the evening of March 1, 2012. He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon December 10, 1928 to Guy O. and Elsie J. (Long) Nelson. His father was a logger and part of the time the family lived in a tent house in the woods. But they were a happy family. By the time Jack was school age the family moved Keno, Oregon across the street from the school. By the time Jack was ready for the 5th grade they moved to Bandon, Oregon for a couple of years. Then another move took them to Medford, Oregon where he graduated from High School in 1946. Since this was still WW II time he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and entered service in June 1946. He served as an Aviator Mechanic until January 1948 ending with the rank of Corporal. Jack loved geology and archeology, but ended up with a degree in Forest Products from Oregon State College in 1953. Jack and Barbara Niedermeyer were married September 7, 1952 and raised four wonderful children, Michael, Roberta, Bruce and Rebecca. After graduation Jack worked for Cascade Plywood in Lebanon, Oregon until 1956 when Roseburg Lumber Company started up Plant #2 and Jack started as a Glue Check in the Quality Control Department. He was a devoted worker. After 38 years of service he retired as the Hardwood Veneer Buyer/Coordinator. During those 38 years he was a member of Winston Lions Club, worked with the Cub Scouts and was a member of the Winston Library Board. After retirement he enjoyed working on his hobby of Enology and being with family. Survivors include his wife Barbara; sons Mike and his wife Roberta and Bruce and his wife Shyra; daughters Roberta and her husband Mark and Rebecca and her husband Kyle; 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; sister Jean Watkins and her husband Kip; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was a humble person who always thought it "better to laugh than cry." The family greatly thanks Dr. Shelley Brittain, Dr. Stephen Williams and their staff, Dr. Randy and Scott Moore and the tender loving care of Amedisys Hospice caregivers. Jack and Barbara proudly supported the construction of the new Winston Community Center and so in lieu of flowers a tax-deductible donation be made to the Winston Area Community Partnership (WACP) P.O. Box 2613, Winston, Oregon 97496. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Winston Community Center. Private interment will be within the grounds of Roseburg Memorial Gardens.