Wayne "Turk/Turkey, Wesley Jones" James Nelson, 60, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away on December 18, 2022 in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Wayne was born in Duluth, Minnesota to James "Jim" Nelson and Virginia "Ginger" Nelson (Wiles) on July 17, 1962. He attended Hermantown High School and went on to join the U.S. Airforce: Squadron 3702 Flight 508 Lackland AFB San Antonio, TX November 1980.

Wayne enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He liked encouraging people in outdoor activities, fishing, and hiking adventures. Through his travels he collected petrified wood and agates.

Wayne especially loved truck driving, which was his current long term employment and he enjoyed showing off his earnings in a flamboyant Wayne way.

He loved talking to and about family, friends, and expressions of gratitude for close bonds. Wayne always had stories of laughter and shenanigans. His most cherished moments were building a relationship with his son and grandchildren.

Wayne appreciated and gained strength through his support system of wonderful caring people that would bring encouragement, as he grew to give of himself to encourage others.

Wayne was preceded in death by his grandparents, Glen and Inez Wiles; parents, Jim and Ginger Nelson; sister, Linda Nelson; nephew, Timothy Nelson; and his big blue semi-truck, "Esmerelda".

Wayne is survived by his son, Blake (Lacie); grandchildren, Braiden and Gavin; sibling, Russ (Alesa) Nelson and Glen Nelson; nieces and nephews, Nicolle, Autumn, Samuel (Lily), James (Paige) Nelson and Cassondra (Spencer) Asuchak/Nelson, Linda Mills and Gibson Nelson; and great-nieces and nephews, Lilly, Chaz, Jake, Ava, Warren, Jagger, Desirae, Clayton, Madisyn, Mayson, Hayliauna and Jaxton.

Celebration of Wayne's life will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, January 6th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN, with Military Honors at 4:00 PM. Please bring your stories and memories to share; we would all love to hear them.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to: Tammy Ewing for her thoughts, strength, and kindness to help with "Go Fund Me" donations to cover funeral costs and help with memories for Blake and his family; Sunrise Funeral services, for their heartwarming kindness through this difficult time; and the Duluth Honor Guard.

The whole Nelson family would like to thank all that have supported us with thoughts and prayers.

Wayne will always be remembered in our hearts and our conversations will keep his goofy spirit alive.

2 Corinthians 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.