James Nelson Obituary

"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's joy." A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Jim passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. He was born in Canton, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in chemical engineering. After moving to Baton Rouge, he continued his education, earning an MBA from LSU. He was a World War II veteran and received the Purple Heart for wounds incurred during battle. Jim was a devout Catholic and a founding member of St. Thomas More, where he was actively involved in many school and parish ministries. He particularly loved working with youth through the St. Thomas More Athletic Association, CSAL sports, CYO youth and sports groups and American Legion Baseball. Jim retired from Ethyl Corp. and after his retirement his faith was nourished through his long-term commitment as a St. Thomas More Bible Study leader and the coordinator of St. Thomas More Perpetual Adoration. He was an active member of the Metropolitan Serra Club and a devoted Man of Manresa, serving as a retreat captain for many years. Jim treasured the time spent with his family, sharing lifetime stories and attending family gatherings. His grandchildren will always cherish the annual family beach vacations. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; daughters, Kathy McKnight and husband Louis, Tracy Simpson and husband Kevin; sons, the Rev. Thomas More Nelson, O'Praem, Bob Nelson and wife Sue, Mike Nelson and wife Paulette, Doug Nelson and wife Susan, and Rick Nelson; grandchildren, Kelly McCormack and husband Patrick, Ashley Culotta and husband Brad, Lindsey Walton and husband Benji, Kim Jones and husband Kyle, Paige Huggins and husband William, Ben Nelson, Clay McKnight, Amanda Simpson, Jimmy Nelson, Leigh Nelson, Brad Nelson, Julie Nelson, Christopher Simpson, Preston Nelson and Michael Simpson; and great-granddaughter, Anna Kate Walton. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Sept. 19, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a recitation of the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visiting at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by his son, the Rev. Thomas More Nelson, O'Praem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STM Excellence Campaign, 11400 Sherbrook Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.

Published by The Advocate from Sep. 19 to Sep. 20, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Nelson

Not sure what to say?





To the Nelson family I have not seen or spoke with Jim in a long time but will alwayt remember him and his wisdom. I just hered of it very sorry to here of your loss. He often talked about his family his daughters and his late wife that he missed dearly.

Ryan Kegg

February 17, 2012

Mary, I just got word that Jim "ascended into heaven" with Jesus and Mary....No earthly words could imagine what his reward is for all his love,Masses rosaries and adoration he made in his lifetime....especially to the little chapel at 2am when no one showed up to adore...JIM was there. Amen. Alleluia! Mary Hsu

September 26, 2011

So very sorry to read of Mr. Nelson's passing. Hoping that your memories ease your pain at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Armand and Kim Mayeux
Keller, Tx

September 25, 2011

"Eternal rest grant unto James Nelson, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen!"

Father Nelson, you and your family are in our family's prayers.

Frederick R. Dempsey & Family

Frederick Dempsey

September 22, 2011

Bob, Sue and the Nelson Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Brent & Rosary Guillot

September 21, 2011

With hearts full of faith in Our Lord’s bountiful goodness, we send our prayers to all of James Nelson’s family members, seeking God’s consolations and comfort during this time of need.

Friends (Rpx) of Fr. Thomas Nelson, O’Praem
St. Michael’s Abbey

September 21, 2011

Doug, Susan and Family:

With deepest sympathy on the death of your Father. Thinking of you in this moment of sadness. May God Bless all of you always.

Your Friends at Roofing Solutions, LLC

September 20, 2011

Tracy / Doug,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. God Bless.

Sally D'Aquin

September 20, 2011

Gosh, I thought it was sad and lonely riding to and from Manresa the last few years without Jim and Rick – this is much worse – even though I do realize Jim is on his way to a much better place. No more physical problems, just all that he has ever prayed for to share with his family and friends who made the trip before him. ENJOY IT JIM! IT IS ALL YOURS NOW!

To Mary, the kids, grandkids and the whole family Claire and I offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers in this time of sadness and loss – knowing full well that all of you believe that you have not lost Jim but have just seen him off on the next leg of his journey back home.

We love all of you,
Claire & John Fielding

Claire & John Fielding

September 20, 2011

Kathy and Nelson Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May God Bless.

Jeanette Calvey

September 20, 2011

Many years ago, Jim and I coached little league baseball together. He was such a class act! I have many fond memories of those days and it is directly attributable to Jim Nelson. My condolences to his family.

Paul Tullier

September 19, 2011

To all the Nelsons... It's been a long time but I remember Mr. Nelson very well. I'm sorry for your loss but I'm sure he's happy to be in God's hands.

Dave Ruhlin

September 19, 2011

Doug and Susan, we are so sorry for your loss. We will pray for your Dad and family. With our deepest sympathy, Kenny, Diane, and Ryan Landry

Diane Landry

September 19, 2011

Dear Tracy,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing on to the Heavens. I know you all wil miss him dearly. My loving thoughts are with you and your family in your time of loss. I have fond memories of him coaching us!
Much love,
Adele

Adele Borie

September 19, 2011

Dear Nelson Family,

I am deeply saddened at Jim's passing, but have fond, loving memories of him and the impact he had not only on me, but also kids and teenagers across Baton Rouge. Like one of his own, he warmly invited me to LSU football games in one of those coveted south end-zone seats. Summer after summer, as a proud member of the McDonald's team at Sharp Road, I took signs from him in the 3rd-base coaching box. Victories over Dick Howell and Lazy River were his proudest moments, and that joy spread to the entire team. He taught us the value of hard work and conveyed the true spirit of competition. I'll never forget the countless rides to games and practices in the old mustang. He was the epitome of kindness and dedication. He'll be missed dearly, and the neighborhood won't be the same without Jim Nelson. I've no doubt he's taken the direct route to Heaven, and is already hitting grounders and flies to God's C League team.

With Love And Affection,

Donny Stratmann

September 19, 2011

Dear Ms. Mary and Family,

Just wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to all of your family. Mr. Jim was such a wonderful, fun-loving and spirit-filled man. His strong dedicated faith in GOD and our Catholic faith was truly an inspiration for all who knew him. Love and Prayers, Jarrell and Lynn Hopper

September 19, 2011

To the entire Nelson family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Jim coaching our McDonald's American Legion baseball teams and CYO basketball teams, playing with Doug. He never seemed to get upset with us, although we gave him many opportunities to do so. He is in my prayers.

Marty Dobbins

September 19, 2011

Our Thoughts and Prayers to all.

Elizabeth, William and Bill Seefield

September 19, 2011

We were so sorry to learn of Jim's death. We will always treasure his friendship and wisdom.

Rod and Theresa McGarry

September 19, 2011

Dear Tracy:

You have my deepest sympathy on the death of your dad. I know how important he was in your life and your care and support during these last few months must have brought him great comfort. Your relationship was quite special and while this makes the loss so very painful, I do believe that your closeness and warm memories will bring you comfort. Know that I am thinking of you and your dad.

God bless

Louise and Harold LaJaunie

Louise LaJaunie

September 19, 2011

I am sorry to learn of Jim's death; he was a fine gentleman. I knew him for many years before I joined Buehler in 1996. He did a lot of good work in his profession and he was missed after his retirement.

George Vander Voort

September 15, 2011

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in James Nelson's name

Memorial Events
for James Nelson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Nelson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more