James Edward Nelson

James Edward Nelson went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2024 in League City, Texas at the age of 87. He was born in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 1937 to his parents Craig and Olga Nelson.

Jim joined the Navy at the age of 17 in October of 1954 and became an Aerographers Mate (Weatherman). He excelled at his job in the Navy and was deployed on many ships, his favorite being the USS Edisto. He went to the Arctic and Antarctic 3 times in 1960. That same year he met the love of his life, his wife Betty, while on shore patrol on his birthday. He shipped out shortly after meeting and when he returned they began dating and got married in October of 1960. Together with their family they traveled to Lakehurst, N.J.,Virginia Beach, Va., Rota, Spain and Charleston, S.C. He retired from the Navy in 1974 and started working for NOAA and moved to Asheville, N.C. He transferred to League City to work as a radar operator in Galveston and assumed the duties of Port Meteorological Officer until he retired again in 2002.

Jim served on city council for League City for two terms, from 2004 to 2010. His greatest accomplishment was freezing taxes for seniors over 65. Jim was very patriotic and extremely proud of his Navy career.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Betty and parents Olga and Craig Nelson.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Nelson, brother, John Nelson (Priscilla), children, Bob Nelson (Anne), Gale Jones (Gene), Jo Anne Smith (Marty) and Craig Nelson (Karen). His grand children are, Josh Forester (Alaina), Nathan Forester (Jessi), Kristin Wisenbaler (Jim), Kolby Smith (Tracy), Devanne Jones and Candace Nelson. He also had several great grand children, Kennedy, Ivan and Brooke.

There will be a private viewing for the family from 5-6p and the family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 6-8pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. The service for Jim will follow on Wednesday, September 4th at 10:30am at Lighthouse Fellowship of Friends Church, 925 3rd St., League City, Texas 77573.

Burial will be at Houston National Cemetery immediately following the church service.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the loving care given to Jim by the amazing staff at the Delaney at South Shore Assisted Living facility and Magnolia Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made by check to the Delaney Employee Christmas Fund, 2605 Marina Bay Dr., League City, Texas 77573 noting it is for an AL resident.

9 comments

  1. Our sincere condolences from the staff at Steve Bridges State Farm. We enjoyed having Mr. and Mrs. Nelson as long term customers. So sorry to hear this news.

    Steve, Tina, Amanda, Maria and Grant.

    STEVE BRIDGES STATE FARM
    • Mom and Dad loved ya’ll so much and always enjoyed visiting with all of you.

      Jo Anne
  2. Our heartfelt deepest condolences go out to Jim’s family at this difficult time. Jim and Betty were very good friends to Beth and I for more than 30 years. We met them shortly after moving to League City from Grand Island NY and had many many good times together. They will both be very dearly missed. He is now pain free and at rest with his beloved wife Betty. See you both on the other side. Your friend forever, Larry

    Larry C Ostriyznick
    • Larry, Mom and Dad loved you and Beth so much! Ya’ll had such a special relationship!

      Jo Anne
  3. Pat and I are saddened to lose our sweet friend of over 40 years…his kindness was second to none. His love for Betty was to be admired. His devotion to his Country and Community was amazing to be observed. I’m all in he would say to me during different campaigns. He loved his family heart, body and soul. I miss Betty and now they are together again…I am so happy for them. God Bless you Jim. Thank you for
    everything…Pat & Janice Hallisey

    Janice Hallisey
    • Janice, Mom and Dad loved and respected you and Pat so much! Thank you for your kind words!

      Jo Anne
  4. Jim was a great community leader, family man, and loving husband. I served with Jim on City Council for several years and he lead with high moral values, honesty, and integrity. I was honored to serve with him and to call him my friend. You will be missed each and every day. God Bless you and Betty

    Tommy Cones
  5. Such a kind jolly soul! We will not forget him. He was always positive and let everyone know how much he loved God and his church
    May God’s spirit of goodness and mercy cover his family!

    Patsy Mead
  6. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. Jim and I were Internet genealogy partners for many years in his search for his roots in the Vermillion family. We shared many other thoughts throughout that time, and he introduced me online to a number of his family members. He was a good man! May he rest in peace.

    Douglas Vermillion

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