Carl James Nelson

Carl James Nelson passed away on April 2, 2024, in Glen, NH with his wife and daughter by his side after a 2 year battle with MSA (Multiple Symptom Atrophy). He was born in Peekskill, NY. Carl, a supportive and loving husband, father, brother, and friend, will be deeply missed. Carl began his educational training at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological and General Science and Physical Education. He then pursued his Master of Science in Health and Physical Education at Marshall University. Carl then went on to receive a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration and Supervision from the State University of New York College at New Paitz in New Paitz, New York. He then earned his Doctor of Education in Administration degree from Nova University. While working in New York, Carl served as a county and regional leader of the New York State Council of School Superintendents and the New York Public High School Athletic Association. After moving to New Hampshire, Carl served as a chair of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association North Country Region, a member of the executive board and an officer. Carl started his career in education teaching and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the longtime Superintendent of Greenport, NY and then Hampton Bays, NY. Carls love of the outdoors is what brought him north to NH. Carl was the Superintendent of SAU 9 from 1998 to 2014. In 2005 Carl was selected as the 68th President of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association. He was Superintendent of the Year in NH in 2008 but his proudest accomplishment was the completion of the new Kennett High School. Outside of his professional life, Carl was not one to sit still, he kept busy skiing, traveling, golfing, hiking, camping, and running. He also spent many afternoons watching Marshall University Thundering Herd Football and talking about it with his brother,Rick. In Carl’s earlier life, he was also an accomplished tennis player. Carl was proud he hiked all 48 4000 footers in NH. He hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and hiked the Tour du Mount Blanc, where he hiked through some of the most beautiful scenery in France, Italy and Switzerland. Carl’s love of skiing brought him to many great ski resorts across the country…. but his favorite at heart was always Mount Cranmore. He is survived by his wife, Missy; daughter Sandy, her husband Dean, and their children Connor and Daniel; sister Susan Finger; and brother Richard Nelson; beloved cat, Snowball; favorite horse, Ken and the new fur family additions of puppy Mariposa and Paddy the kitten. Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Amy T Nelson, father, Carl A Nelson and first wife, Ruth Nelson. At Rainbow Bridge, Tuckerman, Meister, Moosi and Carter will all be waiting to reunite with him and his endless supply of cookies. A celebration of life in honor of Carl will be held at a future time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Visiting Nurse Homecare & Hospice of Carroll County, End 68 Hours of Hunger/MWV, or A Long Journey to a New Beginning Animal Rescue. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Visiting Nurse Homecare and Hospice of Carroll County and the Bartlett/Jackson Ambulance Crew that helped Carl remain home; and friends, Jerry & Diane; Bob & Martha; Brian & Ramona and the countless others that supported him and Missy during his period of declining health. The Furber & White Funeral home in North Conway, NH, is assisting the family with the arrangements.