James "Jim" Albert Nelson, 83, husband of Rebecca Barrier Nelson, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Georgetown, KY. Born in Grand Junction, CO, he was the son of the late Gerry and Louise Sanders Nelson.

Throughout his life, Jim had a passion to help others. He had a vision to bring equality to folks through literacy and access to technology, and this can be seen throughout his career and his continued volunteer work after retirement. His leadership in the fields of Literacy and Information throughout his life left a lasting impact.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Jim earned his master's degree in library science from the University of Kentucky. Early in his career, he served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines and on the faculty at the University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin as well as serving on the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Jim was the speech writer for Governor Wendell Ford.

He served as the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives for 26 years. Appointed by Governor John Y. Brown in 1980, he served under 6 different governors, Kentucky's longest serving State Librarian. Among many professional accomplishments, Jim was involved in three major initiatives: Paul Patton's EMPOWER Kentucky, the Gates Library Foundation partnering with public libraries to bring access to computers and digital information to library patrons, and supporting the Kentucky Virtual Library.

Jim chaired the Kentucky Information Resources Management Commission for three years when it developed a state information technology strategic plan. He also served on the ConnectKentucky Steering Committee, which expanded broadband communications in Kentucky.

Jim served as chair of the State Archives and Records Commission. He chaired the board of directors for the Southeastern Library Network, serving over 2,500 libraries in 10 southeastern states and the Caribbean.

He chaired the Legislative Assembly of the American Library Association and was a longtime board member of the Kentucky Library Association (KLA), receiving its Lifetime Achievement Award. KLA gives The James A. Nelson Advocacy Award annually. Jim received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the College of Library and Information Science at UK in 1985. He currently served on the National Advisory Board for UK's College of Communication and Information and was its first chair.
After retirement, Nelson was the senior library consultant at Connected Nation, a national broadband company based in Kentucky, during its work on a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant that aimed to bring sustainable broadband technologies to local public libraries in 26 states.

He was a man of many academic and professional accolades, but what defined him was his gentle soul and dedication to the improvement of the world through various involvements with different communities.

A member of Faith Baptist Church, Jim served on the Missions Team as well as volunteering time with the Gathering Place Mission.

Throughout his life, Jim was an avid fly fisherman and thoroughbred horse racing aficionado. He especially loved Keeneland. Interested in all sports, Jim was a University of Louisville Cardinal fan (in his house divided!) and supported the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed traveling, with special trips being a river cruise on the Danube and a trip to Ireland, England, and Wales with Becky. He recently took a family trip to Kiawah Island where he and Becky had honeymooned.

In addition to his wife of 20 years, he is survived by his children, Colm Nelson (Yumee Gang), Rebekah Nelson, and Michoel Stern (Tova); stepsons, Mark Stephens and Barry Saturday (Barno); brother, Gordon Nelson (Sandy); grandchildren: Lillianne Nelson, Noel Nelson, Yaakov, Nechoma, Yosef and Simcha Stern, Athena & Aurora Saturday.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 3 PM Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Faith Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. William Reilly with a reception immediately following. Preceding the service in Georgetown, there will be a brief graveside service of committal at 11:30 AM at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gathering Place Mission, 339 Bourbon St, Georgetown, KY 40324 or to Faith Baptist Church, 116 Pocahontas Trail, Georgetown, KY 40324.