Winthrop - James Vernon Nelson, age 66, died at his home Tuesday, February 23, with his family at his side. Jim was born March 4, 1943, the son of Maynard and Ruby Nelson. Jim attended Palermo School and then Erskine Academy. He graduated from Erskine in 1961. He received his Bachelors Degree from Thomas College in 1966. Jim?s career in education began at Winthrop High School in the fall of 1966. He taught business classes and enjoyed success while coaching Basketball, Baseball, and Tennis. He wanted to become an administrator because he felt he could positively influence more students. He earned his Masters Degree in Administration from the University of Southern Maine in 1981. That same year, he accepted the position of Headmaster at Erskine Academy. During his tenure at Erskine, he worked with staff, parents, and the entire community to instill respect within the school. Jim?s efforts were truly remarkable. His leadership resulted in a doubling of student enrollment and a number of renovations and additions including the math and science wings, tennis courts and track, industrial arts facility, and the gymnasium that bears his name. Among the programs he helped establish were the advisor/advisee program, Renaissance Awards, academic assistance, freshmen awareness, Bates Leadership, and the Advisory Board. Jim took great pleasure in ensuring that no student would ?slip through the cracks,? and one of his favorite sayings was, ?If you are going to err, err on the side of kids.? After retirement from Erskine Academy, Jim directed the ?Gear Up? program for the Department of Education ? a program that strives to inspire and assist low income youth to enter and succeed in post secondary education. Most recently, he served as Education Director at the Ironwood School in Morrill, Maine, where he worked with troubled teens from affluent families. Jim was a friend to all that knew him. He loved to fish and always looked forward to trips to the family camp on Schoodic Lake with Art, Doran, and Dennis. He was well versed on many subjects and looked forward to the heated debates with his buddies Ike and Ray. He loved his morning coffee with Ron and Gary discussing the Red Sox or how they bested their wives in the card games last night. Jim was also known to seek his fortune with an occasional trip to Hollywood Slots. The time most precious to Jim was that time spent with his family. Just being at home and reading to his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He loved to spend the evening playing cribbage and enjoying the company of his best friend and wife, ?Lou.? During his illness, Jim was touched deeply by the number of former students and athletes from Winthrop and Erskine Academy who visited or sent their best wishes through cards and letters. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of you. Also, the family would like to especially thank the staff at the Harold Alfond Cancer Center, Dr. Ronald Hart, their special nurse, Jean Jennings, and all the great care from the Maine General Health Reach Hospice. Many wonderful people helped make Jim as comfortable as possible during his last months, weeks, days, and hours with us. Jim was predeceased by his parents Maynard and Ruby; His Stepfather Henry (Al) Elliot, and His brothers, Dana and Barry. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda. His son, Todd, his wife, Leyla, and their children T.J., Heidi and Alara. His son Jeff, his wife Leslie, and their children Cooper and Avery. His daughter, Kim Genest, her husband Donny, and their daughter Jada. His stepdaughter, Julie Prowe, her husband Derek, and their daughter Cassandra. His Stepdaughter Lisa Ford, her husband Chris, and their children Ilyssa, Robert, Mason, and Hunter. Also, a brother, Forrest and his wife Marilyn. Sister Frances Faxon and her husband Robert. Sister Ann Childs and her husband Steve. Sisters-in law, Dana?s wife Gerry and Barry?s wife Linda. Jim was blessed with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He loved them all and each one had a special place in his heart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Winthrop Federal Credit Union to benefit the James V. Nelson Scholarship at Erskine Academy. Services will be held on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 am, in the James V. Nelson gymnasium at Erskine Academy. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com