John E. Nelson, former President and Chairman of Nelson-Jameson Inc., died on June 2. 

Nelson's journey with Nelson-Jameson began the year of his birth, when his father Earl co-founded the company. He truly grew up alongside the business, contributing from a young age by joining his father on sales trips. Nelson officially joined the company in 1975 and quickly made his mark by designing the Marshfield, Wis., office and warehouse, an achievement that earned a national design award. Over his remarkable 45-year career, he held various roles, including in sales and product management. Nelson became president in 1982 and chairman of the board in 1998. His continual focus on promoting Nelson-Jameson’s Golden Rule culture and vision for nationwide distribution centers made Nelson-Jameson into the company it is today. 

Beyond his work at Nelson-Jameson, Nelson was deeply involved in the food and dairy industry, both locally and nationally. He was honored with the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association (WCMA) Distinguished Service Award in 2018, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Wisconsin Cheese and Butter Association in 2024, and was named a lifetime member of the North Central Cheese Industry Association. He served on the board of the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers and was a past president of FISA. Nelson was also a steward of his local community serving on various boards and committees, and a generous advocate of the United Way.

Nelson-Jameson stands as a testament to John's leadership, unwavering positivity and genuine care — care for customers, care for suppliers, and care for his coworkers. His contributions will resonate for generations, serving as a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can all make in the world.

Nelson was well-known for his "Make it a great day" catchphrase.