MEMBERS of the media fraternity, family and close friends of beloved sports journalist Job Nelson turned out in their numbers to bid their final farewell at his thanksgiving service on Saturday, remembering him as a selfless man and dedicated journalist who held great passion for his craft, and helping others.

The atmosphere was sombre at first but soon transformed into a period of thanksgiving and worship as a live band guided the congregation into singing songs of praise, asking God to give them peace in the midst of turmoil, and thanking him for the good and bad times.

Nelson, a sports journalist at the Jamaica Gleaner, died in a car crash off Spanish Town Road in St Andrew on May 21. He was 53 years old.

Speaking on behalf of the Gleaner company, Editor-in-Chief Moya Thomas said Nelson was a dedicated and reliable staff member who was always up to task.

“He was, in a way, oil helping to grease the wheels of the machine so they functioned better and creaked a little bit less. He loved to say to employees everywhere, ‘Don’t overdo it; you leave today and they replace you tomorrow.’ However, our tomorrow has not yet come and Job’s position has not yet been filled — and even when it is, Job Nelson, with his calm, quiet and understated way, will still be remembered,” she said.

Desmond Richards, former manager at Jamaica Herald where Nelson was previously employed, said he is in disbelief about the death of his colleague and friend.

“Yes, death is a reality. That is one of the things many of us have not realised, that all living things will die… but I must tell you that up until now I am still lost. I don’t believe Job [is gone],” he said.

Jodi-Ann Nelson, Job’s daughter, broke down in tears during a saxophone musical rendition of You Raise Me Up by Johnoi Bryan. In her tribute to her father she shared that she started to write her remarks when she found out that he passed because she knew the moment she processed the harsh reality that he was gone she would be too overcome with grief.

Determined to not let her tears flow, she stood smiling as she shared cherished memories of her father who she said was always present at every netball match, track meet, sports day, and parent-teacher meeting.

“I could count on my daddy to be present when it mattered the most. As I looked into the crowd of whatever event or thing I was participating in, I knew that my daddy was present,” she said.

Mark Nelson, brother, in the delivery of the eulogy shared that his niece charged him with the responsibility because she thought she would be too overcome with grief to speak at her father’s funeral. However it was quite the opposite, with Mark the picture of grief as he stood to share the life of his beloved brother, a smiling Jodi-Ann by his side providing comfort.

“I will miss racing to say: ‘No, you’re wrong. I’m more handsome,’ when somebody says both of you look alike, because that is something we had sort of developed,” said Mark, channelling laughter from the congregation.

Representatives from St Catherine High Alumni Association, Job’s alma mater, spoke of his spirit of generosity and his knack for putting service above self, sharing that his memory will live on through the Job Nelson Class of 87 scholarship.

“Job, your light will continue to shine in our hearts; your contribution will never be forgotten,” said Kerry-Ann White, president.