Their love story began on July 7, 1957, when Johnny Nelson married his high school sweetheart, Jackie Boyce, in Missoula. They were married for 53 years when they passed away together on Jan. 12, 2011, in a fire that destroyed their family home.
John Nelson was born on March 10, 1936, in Polson. He attended high school at Missoula County High School and graduated in 1954.
John was a logging contractor from the time he graduated high school until 2002. Soon after retirement, John went to work for Medical Messengers and developed many caring relationships with the hundreds of people working at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and affiliate locations.
John was very involved in Faith Lutheran Church serving in many different capacities. John volunteered his time teaching cribbage to area schools, mentoring children as they refined their math skills. He was our self-appointed world champion crib master!
When John was younger, he organized games with the neighbor kids, keeping the kids active acting as the neighborhood coach. John was very supportive of his kids and grandkids in every athletic event from soccer, football, wrestling, basketball, baseball and track.
He was compassionate and a friend to all. John always saw the best and brought out the best in everybody. John enjoyed fishing, hunting and all aspects of the outdoors and felt most at home “in the woods.” He was an amazing father and grandfather and will be sorely missed.
Jackie Boyce was born on Nov. 24, 1938, in Missoula. Jackie attended Missoula County High School and graduated in 1957.
Jackie was the impetus behind Medical Messengers Courier, and also developed wonderful relationships in the medical industry. She provided services to the medical community from 1988 to 1995.
Jackie was also involved in many capacities at Faith Lutheran Church. She was an advocate for children and families.
Jackie was a nurturing mother to all and adored her husband. She created a warm and happy home for everyone. The kids who entered her home adopted her as their Grandma Jackie. She was artistic, creative, and loved to cook. Jackie's specialty was the Sunshine Cake that she made for all the birthdays.
Jackie was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Life will not be the same for all of us that loved Jackie. We'll miss her love and support, and the wonderful hugs that she gave to all.
John and Jackie are survived by their children, Joleen and Clifford McCarley, Kelly and Mikal Thompson, Don Nelson, and Justin and Betsy Nelson. Grandchildren are Clifford McCarley, Jacob and Tiffany Thompson, Luke and Stephanie Thompson, Jonathan, Josiah and Jordan Nelson, and Julia and Isaiah Nelson. Their four great-grandchildren are, Korbyn, Hannah, Keigan and Selah.
A celebration of John and Jackie's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Family condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 10394, Kalispell, MT 59904.