John Hunter Nelson 1933-2008

Commander John H. Nelson, USNR (Ret.), of San Diego, CA, died suddenly of a heart attack on 19 July 2008 while fishing in the Sierra Mountains. He was 75 years old.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, on 6 June 1933, "Hunter" was the first son of Ocie Josephine Sherman and Willoughby Black Nelson. He graduated from University High School in 1951 and went on to attend Stanford. In 1953, Hunter was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy.

Upon graduating with the Class of 1957, Hunter reported to DEHAVEN (DD-727) out of Long Beach, CA, and was assigned as CIC and communications officer. He spent several months assigned to Operations Crossroads (the atomic testing at Bikini and Johnson islands), then deployed to WestPac. Hunter attended Submarine School in July 1959. Upon graduating, he reported to Pearl Harbor onboard CARBONER0 (SS-337). Hunter resigned from regular commission after six years of active duty and accepted a Reserve commission In January 1963 he moved to Palo Alto, CA, and worked in the semi-conductor industry. Still active in the Reserve, he worked his way to commanding officer and won the Nimitz Trophy as the best ResSubDiv in the nation in 1972.

After leaving the semi-conductor industry, Hunter moved to San Diego, CA, and enjoyed a 20-year career in real estate. Hunter retired from the Reserve as a commander in November 1980. This was also the year Hunter won the San Diego Padres Best Slogan Award; "Padres '80 Ole!" and had the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

In 1984, Hunter became involved in the area of chemical dependency. He became a Certified Alcohol Counselor, working in the treatment of alcoholism and other drug addictions. He was a very active member and leader in Alcoholics Anonymous and helped numerous people find sobriety.

Hunter enjoyed a very active retirement. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed golfing, skiing and recently lawn bowling. He was gentle, prideful man with a big heart. His favorite time was spent with dear friends and family, particularly his granddaughter, Lauren. Hunter was a sincerely happy person, enjoyed serenity and peace in his life, positively influenced many people and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

Hunter is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey Nelson and David Nelson; daughter, Stephanie Whitlock; and two grandchildren, Lauren Hunter Whitlock and Natalie Nelson.

Burial services were held at Fort Rosecrans Military Cemetery with full military honors.