2025 11 18 City Council Regular Session Packet

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VERY IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER INDIVIDUAL 
OFFICIAL NOMINATION FORM 
 
Nominee: James Robert “Jim” Nelson  
  
Nominated By: Mayor Larry Eaton 
  
Date: November 10, 2025 
 
 
Reason for Nomination:   
Few individuals embody the spirit of volunteerism more completely than James Robert “Jim” Nelson. 
Since moving to Athens in 1985, Jim has been a tireless servant, mentor, and advocate for others — 
giving his time, resources, and energy to make Athens a stronger, kinder, and more connected 
community. 
 
When Jim arrived in Athens in 1985 to open an Edward Jones Investments office, he didn’t just set up 
a business; he set down roots. Within months, he became  an assistant basketball coach at Tennessee 
Wesleyan College (now TWU) under Coach Don Dodgen, drawing on his experience as a UAB assistant 
coach under Gene Bartow.  
 
In 1986, Jim became an Elder at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, where he continues to serve faithfully 
to this day. Each year, the congregation and community celebrate “Jim Nelson Rally Day” on 
September 22 nd, a tradition where the Nelson family cooks pancakes for anyone who wishes to 
attend. It’s a small example of how Jim turns community into family. 
 
Throughout the years, Jim’s volunteer work has touched nearly every civic and charitable corner of 
Athens. In 1993, he was named Diplomat of the Year for the United Way, and by 1995, he was serving 
as President of both the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce. That same year, he became the 
first President of the McMinn County Education Foundation and was recognized as Man of the Year 
for his remarkable civic contributions. 
 
His service continued through the early 2000s as a member of the Athens City School Board for eight 
years, where he worked to enhance opportunities for local students , including his own children. In 
2008, he was honored as the YMCA Volunteer of the Year for his continued dedication to youth and 
community programs. 
 
Even as his professional life flourished , culminating in his role as Regional Leader for Edward Jones 
Investments and his selection as a General Partner in the global firm, Jim remained grounded in 
service. When he retired in 2017 to care for his wife, his volunteerism didn’t slow down. In fact, it 
deepened. 
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