James B. Nelson

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Nelson, James B. May 28, 1930 - Oct. 15, 2015 James B. Nelson, age 85, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Minneapolis, died on October 15, 2015. For 32 years, he was Professor of Christian Ethics at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton. Coming to United Seminary in 1963 soon after its founding in 1962, he was a pivotal figure in the shaping of the ethos and culture of the seminary, and not only in teaching ethics but, also, in developing its curriculum for clergy preparation and education in religion. The notice of his death from the seminary called him a "[g]roundbreaking scholar, courageous activist, trailblazer, pioneer, innovator--Jim was all of those and so much more. From the classroom to the broader world, he was a champion of causes, a respectful listener to supporters and opponents, and most importantly, a true and incredible friend." Jim was born on May 28, 1930 in Windom, MN to Oscar and Inez Nelson, and he had an older brother, Douglas. He was married to Wilys Claire Coulter, his college sweetheart. He graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN in1952, then served in the US Army after which he earned Bachelor of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He also spent sabbatical times at Oxford University and Cambridge University in England. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), he lectured widely in the United States and internationally on various topics of ethics and particularly on human sexuality. He was an activist over his lifetime and tackled a number of issues, including civil rights, women's rights, and anti-war. He was a frequent workshop leader at the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality. His friend and colleague, James Siefkes wrote of him, "He was a giant in the the field of Christian Ethics in the American theological community. As he taught at United Seminary, he carried the banner high for the cause of human sexuality and the GLBTQ community, and his writings (books) will long live after him. " He published 12 books, among them `Embodiment: an Approach to Sexuality and Christian Theology.' This book was said to be 40 years ahead of its time. His latest book, `THIRST: God and the Alcoholic Experience' has reportedly been very helpful to people on the path to recovery. Preceded in death by his wife, Wilys Claire Nelson in 2009, Jim Nelson is survived by his daughter Mary Nelson and Mary's partner Jeffery Chin of San Francisco and by his son Stephen Nelson, daughter-in-law Denise Nelson and grandchildren Kristin and Bryan of Gorham, Maine. A memorial service for Jim Nelson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7 at First Congregational Church of Minneapolis. Local institutions to which donations in Jim's memory might be sent include United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton; First Congregational Church UCC, Minneapolis, the Macalester College James B. Nelson Scholarship Fund in St. Paul or to the charity of your choice.

Published on October 25, 2015