Bluefield High School inducts broadcasting legend Jim Nelson into Hall of Fame

Bluefield State University is proud to announce the induction of James A. “Jim” Nelson Jr. into the Bluefield High School Hall of Fame for the 2022-23 academic year. Nelson, a graduate of the BHS Class of 1967 and West Virginia University Class of ’71, is the 38th inductee to be added to this select group of BHS graduates. The ceremony took place on Thursday, February 23 at the Mary Ruth Bartlett Auditorium on the BHS campus.

Nelson’s impressive career in media spans over 50 years, where he has broadcasted all types of local sports events. He is known for his iconic voice, which has become a staple of area airwaves. Nelson will also be the third member of his family to achieve this prestigious honor, with his father serving as the long-time archivist for the athletic program and his mother writing the school’s Alma Mater.

Starting his media career as a youngster, Nelson listened to national announcers and broadcasters, such as Jack Fleming, who broadcasted games for the WVU Mountaineers. After graduating from West Virginia University, Nelson applied for a position at WHIS-TV and got the job. His work included spinning records, announcing sports, writing news stories, and broadcasting on air. Nelson’s chance encounter at Big Creek High School led him to take over the play-by-play that night, which resulted in the famed “Nelson Sound.”

Nelson has ghost-written a couple of books, done medical writing to assist the Blaydes Foundation and Dr. Elliott Blaydes, and currently serves as Vice President of Institutional and Media Relations for Bluefield State University. Nelson has been in this role for over three decades and has been an integral part of the University’s transformation. He is also a member of the Bluefield Beautification Commission and has served in a wide range of community activities over the decades.

BHS Principal Michael Collins states, “We are honored to be able to induct Jim into the Bluefield High School Hall of Fame. His contributions to the area, the city, and our high school have and continue to be an important part of Four Seasons Country.”

The Hall of Fame committee members, including Tiffany Jones, Daniel Wells, Fritz Simon, Pete Sarver, Larry Hypes, and Michael Collins, are proud to welcome Jim Nelson Jr. into this prestigious group.

Nelson currently lives in Bluefield with his wife, Carol, and his daughter Jackie. He also has two sons Drew (USMC, ret.) and Adam (Stryker Medical) Nelson.