GILROY
– Those who knew Dr. James Neilson, who died Monday at age 82,
will miss his positive outlook on life, endless stories and
incredible friendship.
GILROY – Those who knew Dr. James Neilson, who died Monday at age 82, will miss his positive outlook on life, endless stories and incredible friendship.
A resident of Gilroy since 1949, Neilson influenced many as an optometrist as well as a volunteer with the school district, Gilroy Presbyterian Church, Gilroy Rotary, local hospitals and many other organizations.
Close friend Sig Sanchez loved the energy Neilson brought to a room. Whether the two met in the doctor’s office or on a family vacation, Neilson always was an interesting and fun person to be around.
“He was full of energy and loved to be the center of things,” Sanchez said.
A great friend, Neilson was always there for Sanchez during his tenures as mayor and county supervisor.
“Over the years that I was in local government, he was always very supportive of my activities with the city and the county,” Sanchez said.
Besides being there for his friends, Neilson was committed to giving back to his community.
He served as a trustee to the Gilroy elementary school district – from 1961 to 1969 – before the districts unified. He also volunteered for the school building corporation, which oversees bond finances, from 1975 to 1994. Having sent his two children through Gilroy schools, he was interested in promoting student success. School district superintendent Edwin Diaz spoke about Neilson’s contributions to the school district at Thursday’s board meeting.
“Just want to acknowledge (Neilson’s) contribution to Gilroy Unified School District and communicate that our thoughts are with (his family),” Diaz said.
Neilson also gave time to the church by serving as an Elder, part of the leadership body, with his wife Eleanor, who died in March. Rowlison believes the most important lesson Neilson taught was how to die.
“He always said ‘as long as God gives me life I’m going to live it to the fullest,’ ” Rowlison said, adding that Neilson came to church whenever his body let him and that he never gave up until the end.
Rowlison also shared that Neilson left money in advance to the church, the Gilroy Rotary and the Gilroy Foundation as part of his and his wife’s legacy. Rowlison said they wanted to express their appreciation for the community that gave their family so much.
“He taught us the value of friendship and established life-long friends in the community,” he said.
Dr. Paresh Patel, who bought Neilson’s optometry practice in 1997, will never forget the lessons his mentor and friend taught.
“He taught me things you don’t learn in school, how to deal with melt downs and daily interactions and to enjoy life,” Patel said.
Even after Neilson gave up his practice he continued to work part time for a few years so he could stay involved with his patients.
“He was honest and very gregarious and patients had a bond with him. He knew generations of families,” Patel said.
No matter what stories people remember about Dr. Neilson, he surely will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2004, at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave., Gilroy.
