John Nelson

John Richard Nelson was born on April 17, 1930, in Lamar, Colorado. He had vivid memories of growing up during the Dust Bowl. At 21, John fell in love with his wife of 71 years, Harriet Abbott, and settled down in Napa. He placed a high value on education and obtained a masters degree at Sacramento State. John had a long career as an educator, first as a teacher at Irene Snow Elementary, then as the principal of many Napa elementary schools with especially long tenures at Salvador, Vichy, and Browns Valley. 

John was very active in the Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder, deacon, committee member, teacher, and a missionary in Cameroun, Africa. An outgoing “people person” with an indefatigable sense of humor, John loved entertaining and social gatherings of all kinds. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends, and would never turn down a game of cribbage, poker, or bridge. He was passionate in his support of the unhoused and hungry, generously giving of his time and resources. In retirement, he was active with the Table meal program and Friends of the Library. He loved woodworking, and spent hours crafting wine barrel art pieces—which he enjoyed giving away as much as creating.

John was involved with, and exceedingly proud of, every member of his family. He thought he was the luckiest man in the world to marry his wife, Harriet, and to have the privilege of spending his life with her. He made sure everyone knew about her accomplishments, as well as those of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It was a point of pride for him to call those he loved on their birthday each year. 

John passed away on January 4, 2026, at age 95. He is survived by the wife he adored, Harriet Abbott Nelson; his children Kristi Pennington, Eric and Yvonne Nelson, Alex and Karen Winter-Nelson; his grandchildren Elise Achimore, Sonja Nelson, Helena Pennington, and Ezra and Timothy Winter-Nelson; his great-grandchildren Noelle and Isaac Achimore; and numerous nieces and nephews. John now joins his parents, Oscar Emmanuel Nelson and Agnes Louise Naslund Nelson, his brother Oscar Arthur Nelson, and countless loved ones who went before.

Services will be held at Napa First Presbyterian Church this spring. In memory of John, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church and other organizations that serve those in need.

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