My uncle Jim is an astro-physicist, a nice guy and a good cook. I could read his instructions. They were just as cryptic as my mom's. Here's his recipe.
Make jello using the hot water. Let firm. Drain pineapple. Retain juice. Add tapioca and sugar to juice, simmer until thick. Cool mixture. Add nuts, pineapple, Cool Whip and juice mixture to jello.