Eastern Michigan Athletics
E-Club Hall of Famer Jim Nelson Passes Away
10/5/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Golf, E-Club
Nelson was an EMU men's golf coach and longtime university administrator
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University E-Club Hall of Famer Jim Nelson passed away at the age of 78. Nelson was inducted into the EMU E-Club Hall of Fame in 2000 following a distinguished career as a golf coach, educator, and leader within the university community.
Nelson earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan in 1971 and his master's degree in 1972. He served in EMU's HPERD Department from 1971-85 and was the head men's golf coach from 1972-85.
During his tenure as head coach, Nelson produced several All-American golfers and earned Mid-American Conference Men's Golf Coach of the Year honors in 1980. He also served as president of the MAC Golf Coaches Association from 1979-85 and chaired the NCAA District IV Selection Committee during those same six seasons.
Nelson continued his contributions to the university and the sport of golf after his coaching career. He was selected as EMU's Alumni Golfer of the Year in 1991.
From 1989-93, Nelson served as department chairman of the Henry Ford Community College HPERD Department. He also co-chaired the Adray Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by Henry Ford Community College.
A longtime supporter of Eastern Michigan Athletics, Nelson served as president of the E-Letterwinners Club and served on its board of directors.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, starting at 6 p.m. at Island Golf Course at West Shore (22843 W. River Rd Grosse Ile, Michigan), formerly called West Shore G.C.
Nelson earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan in 1971 and his master's degree in 1972. He served in EMU's HPERD Department from 1971-85 and was the head men's golf coach from 1972-85.
During his tenure as head coach, Nelson produced several All-American golfers and earned Mid-American Conference Men's Golf Coach of the Year honors in 1980. He also served as president of the MAC Golf Coaches Association from 1979-85 and chaired the NCAA District IV Selection Committee during those same six seasons.
Nelson continued his contributions to the university and the sport of golf after his coaching career. He was selected as EMU's Alumni Golfer of the Year in 1991.
From 1989-93, Nelson served as department chairman of the Henry Ford Community College HPERD Department. He also co-chaired the Adray Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by Henry Ford Community College.
A longtime supporter of Eastern Michigan Athletics, Nelson served as president of the E-Letterwinners Club and served on its board of directors.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, starting at 6 p.m. at Island Golf Course at West Shore (22843 W. River Rd Grosse Ile, Michigan), formerly called West Shore G.C.
Saturday, September 26
Saturday, September 26
Friday, September 25
Friday, September 25