James O. Nelson was born the son of Walter T. Nelson and Hattie J. (Shelley) Nelson on July 4, 1924, at Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on February 13, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.
He was united in marriage on May 6, 1947, at Thayer, Missouri, to Mabel Crews who preceded him in death on June 23, 2003.
He is survived by two sons, Jay Nelson and wife Becky of Salem, Arkansas, and Ken Nelson and wife Suzanne of Thayer, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jamie, Walt, Josh, Jordan, Justin and Holly; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hattie Nelson; his wife of fifty-six years, Mabel Nelson; one brother, Austin “Ike” Nelson; and two sisters, Madge Roberts and Dorothy Pierce.
Mr. Nelson was a decorated Veteran. He received numerous awards and medals, while serving his country in the South Pacific during World War II as Aviation Ordnanceman in the United States Navy.
He was a Locomotive Engineer, retiring from the Frisco Railroad after thirty-eight years of service. He served as Chairman for the local chapter of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was a member of the American Legion Charles Burkett Post 344.
He was a member of Thayer Freewill Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.
Graveside services for Mr. Nelson will be held Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri with Brother Richard Robinson officiating.
The body will Lie In State at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Sunday, February 15th from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri.