Sterling Heights in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
In Memory of James Nelson
Lifetree
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 27, 2025
1. In Memory of James Nelson Marker
This sculpture memorializes Sterling Heights Firefighter James Nelson, last alarm March 26, 1983.
This sculpture, Lifetree, symbolizes changes and growth over time and how life can change in an instant. The warm colors of the glass represent the firefighter's eternal spirit and reflect how a firefighter's dedication and sacrifice can impact another's life.
On February 20, 1983, Firefighter James Nelson, age 38, suffered a fatal head injury when he fell from the fire truck's open cab while responding to an arson fire at Sterling Junior High School on Nineteen Mile Road. He left behind a wife, son and daughter.
Firefighter Nelson made a lasting impression on his fellow firefighters for his dedication, service and ultimate sacrifice for the residents of Sterling Heights and will never be forgotten.
This 50-acre park was dedicated the James C. Nelson Park, in his honor, on August 21, 1991.
Designed and Created by the Nordin Brothers
Detroit Design Center 2022
Erected 2022 by City of Sterling Heights.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is February 20, 1983.
Location. 42° 33.071′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gillett - Beer Farm (approx. 1.8 miles away); Warren Union Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of Peck's "Village View" Farm (approx. 2 miles away); Norman J. Halmich Park (approx. 2 miles away); Murthum-Vander Vlucht House (approx. 2.1 miles away); Cutrubes-Seefried Home (approx. 2.2 miles away); 5520 Chicago Road (approx. 2.2 miles away);
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 27, 2025
2. In Memory of James Nelson Marker
Photographed by Frank Clarkston, July 23, 2025
3. In Memory of James Nelson Marker
The Lifetree sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on July 23, 2025, by Frank Clarkston of Clawson, Michigan.
