Jack Herman Nelson died Oct. 22, 2009. He was the youngest son of a Merchant Marine captain, Herman Nelson, and his wife Hallie Glines Nelson. He was born in Portland, Ore., on Feb. 22, 1930.

His childhood was spent helping his brother Robert build planes in the basement of their home. He learned to fly planes at an early age. He made his first solo flight at the age of 14.

He graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, receiving his degree in electrical engineering. He joined the Naval ROTC while attending college, and upon graduation, he joined the Navy as a regular line officer and for 30 years served the country as a naval aviator.

During his naval career, Nelson was a Naval aircraft carrier pilot, a landing signal officer and a test pilot. He developed the “Drop-Line” Carrier Landing System that is currently used on all aircraft carriers throughout the world.

Nelson graduated from the War College in Newport, R.I., and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. Nelson received two master’s degrees from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He retired from the Navy in 1977.

Nelson taught mathematics and electrical engineering at a college in San Diego, Calif. He then joined a company that built state-of-the-art security systems.

In 1995, he moved to Vashon. Island life suited him, family members said. Nelson was a member of the Vashon United Methodist Church. He belonged to the Vashon amateur radio group. He was instrumental in the start-up of the emergency preparedness program. He coined the term NERO.

Nelson is survived by Nanci Nelson, his wife of 52 years, three sons, Theodore, Michael and Christopher, and three grandchildren, Mike, Sayward and Jack.

A gravesite burial service with full military honors and memorial service at the Vashon United Methodist Church were held on Oct. 26, 2009. Pastor Darryn Hewson officiated.

Memorial contributions may be sent to either Vashon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 330, Vashon; or Vashon-Maury Island Land

Trust, P.O. Box 2031, Vashon.

Arrangements for his burial were made through Island Funeral Service. Visit the online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.