Jay Miles Nelson, 74, passed away of natural causes on July 11, 2024. A long-time resident of New Paltz, NY, Jay worked for 30 years as a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service, primarily in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was active in the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and served as a Shop Steward union representative. Jay also owned and operated an organic produce farm in New Paltz, and sold pumpkins, asparagus, shishito peppers, and other vegetables to local restaurants and markets.
Jay was born in Minneapolis, MN, in 1950, and grew up in Lincoln, CA. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968 and Western Washington University, WA in 1974. Jay later moved to New York City, where he studied economics at The New School, began working for the Post Office, and also worked as a Taxi Cab Driver — which he later continued in the Hudson Valley. He was an active long-distance runner for many years, and coached both of his daughters’ softball teams throughout their youth.
Jay became politically active in his youth and filed as a Conscientious Objector after being drafted for the Vietnam War. Jay fulfilled his service through the VISTA Program (Volunteers in Service to America) at the Bellingham, WA Senior Center as a Transportation Coordinator. His efforts were also pivotal in opening the first local recycling center in Whatcom County, WA in 1971, after college.
Jay was a vegetarian since age 19, as well as a life-long advocate for environmental preservation. In the Hudson Valley, he supported efforts to protect local wetlands from short-sighted development plans, and pressed local government to balance municipal growth with mindful access and protection for natural wildlife habitats. In retirement, he maintained birdhouses to facilitate the migration of American Robins and Purple Martins to his property and the property next to Unison Arts Center in New Paltz.
Jay loved his family, and was loved and adored by many. Jay is survived by his daughters, Erica Nelson and Annie Avlon, and his wife, Christine Avlon. He is survived by his father Jim Howard, and by his siblings Janine Glover, Dann Howard, David Howard, Cathy Kendrick, Lori Hofer, and James Nelson. A service with extended family will be held for him on Saturday, October 12 @ 1pm, at 2645 Mohammed Lane, Lincoln, CA 95658. Donations in his memory can be made to Planned Parenthood (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/) -or- to the Purple Martin Conservation Association (https://www.purplemartin.org/), both groups that Jay supported generously every year. For Jay’s friends in New York who wish to contact Jay’s immediate family, please contact Christine Avlon christineavlon@msn.com. For Jay’s friends in California who wish to contact Jay’s extended family regarding the service, please contact Janine Glover: 916-715-1339.
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