James Elton Nead

James Elton Nead, a remarkable individual whose life was marked by passion, perseverance, and kindness, passed away on July 1, 2024. Reared in Stevenson, Washington, Jim left an indelible impact on those who knew him. 

As a young man, Jim’s love for running blossomed during his school years at Stevenson High School (SHS). His dedication to long-distance running earned him the title of an elite athlete, and he held SHS’ school record in the mile run for years. Jim’s victories extended beyond the track, as he consistently secured first-place finishes in cross-country meets across Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

 Following high school, Jim continued his athletic journey at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, where he ran under scholarship. His stamina and endurance were honed during his early mornings as a paper delivery boy for the Oregonian. With a bag of 60-70 papers tucked under his arm, Jim would sprint from house to house, building the foundation for his lifelong passion for sports. 

Beyond running, Jim excelled in bowling, maintaining an impressive average near 200. His hearing deficiency didn’t hinder his love for learning; he developed strong mathematical and statistical skills. Ask him about track stars like Jim Ryun and Steve Prefontaine, or inquire about his favorite NFL team, the LA Rams, and Jim would cite relevant statistics with precision. He also possessed a prowess for quickly finding scripture, besting his high school seminary colleagues in church (Stake) competition. 

Jim’s warm personality endeared him to everyone he met. Despite his hearing impairment, he was both liked and loved by friends and family alike. Following high school and some college, in 1976, Jim also served his church as a missionary for deaf and hearing-impaired people in Los Angeles. His fondest memories were forged during his years as a distance runner, a time he cherished deeply. 

In 2019, Jim faced the loss of his father, Elton Nead. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Nead, and his siblings: Colleen (Nead) Hunsaker, Thomas Nead, Paulette (Nead) Bird, and Laura Nead (Ellison). A funeral service in Jim’s honor will take place at 11:00 a.m. MDT, Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 3426 West Augusta Drive, Syracuse, UT.

May Jim’s legacy continue to inspire us, and may his spirit find eternal peace. 

The Family invites those who are unable to attend the service in person to join them online at the following link below:

Topic: James Elton Nead Funeral Service

Time: Jul 6, 2024 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5081906741?pwd=YndHd1NaVnRFb3JkRXpKU3NxUloxdz09&omn=87067915202

Meeting ID: 508 190 6741

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