James Grant Nielson

During Grant's teen years he worked summers for his father in construction, learning to be a finish carpenter. In 1938 hard times took him to the road selling woolen dresses, suits and coats for Utah Tailoring Mills of Ogden.

After graduating from BYU in 1940 he continue selling until he went into the army as a private. He served with the Infantry in Africa and Italy until January 29, 1944, when he was wounded. He spent the next two and a half years in Army hospitals recovering. He was released from the Army in April of 1946, after five and a half years of service. Grant rose rapidly in the Army, his highest commission being Major. He was awarded the Silver Star medal twice for gallantry in action and also received the Purple Heart. He feels that the greatest honor was in the form of a battlefield promotion to Captain from First Lieutenant. By the time he was wounded only one other officer battlefield promotion was awarded in his regiment.

After leaving the military he again sold clothing until the spring of 1949 when he purchased 1/3 interest in The Grand Lumber Company. It was this same year that he married Ruth Hansen on October 13, 1949, in Salt Lake City.

Shortly after his marriage he became active in the Church and was ordained Bishop of the 10th Ward July 15, 1956, by Spencer W. Kimball and served for over seven years. This calling he enjoyed very much and has often mentioned how he loved the people of the ward.

Other Church activities have included Sunday School teacher, counselor and superintendent as well as Aaronic Priesthood Adviser to the Teachers Quorum. He also served as a Stake High councilman for nine years.

Friends have asked him why he didn't play golf, and his answer was that his business is his golf game. He truly loved his home building work. His building took him from St. George to Tremonton. It was during the activity in Tremonton that he learned to fly and purchased his own plane. He was an avid pilot and flew the Western States, logging over a quarter million miles.

Grant became acquainted with the banking business when he was asked to be a director in the new First Security State Bank of Springville and later on the advisory board of First Security's Southern Division.

He has served as a member of the board of the Eldred Foundation and is presently Vice President. He has twice served as president of the Utah Valley Home Builders Association.

He and Ruth had eight children. One son passed away in 1967.

He and Ruth enjoy traveling and they take advantage of any travel opportunities.

Grant enjoys working with his sons and daughters, encouraging them in their pursuits.