James Ottoway Nelson Jr.

James Ottoway Nelson Jr., 68 entered eternal rest peacefully in Atlanta, GA., October 6, 2017. He came joyfully into this life on May 27, 1949. He was the second of four children born to the late James O. and Annie L. Nelson. He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Sixth Baptist Church, where he was very active in t he Boys Scouts. James, affectionately, known as "Ba-Bro" to his siblings and as "Jimmy" to others, attended Richmond Public Schools, graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School, Class of 1967. Even though he was accepted to North Carolina Central University, James chose to enlist in the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, served as a Minuteman Missile Technician and was Honorably Discharged. After his service, he pursued his passion for knowledge by attending Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Master of Urban and Regional Planning Degree. For 36 years, Jimmy worked for the City of Richmond, starting as a Recreation Instructor in the Department of Recreation and Parks. He was also a Research Analyst for several departments, including Mental Health, Planning and Youth Services. He retired from the Department of Public Utilities as an Administrative Analyst in the Customer Service Division. Mentoring was a way of life for Jimmy. He coached with the South Richmond Little League and was always available to offer advice to the many young people who graced his home. He cherished assisting young people find their way. One of his favorite pastime was bowling, where his game of 279 was certified by the American Bowling Congress in 1992. As a member of The American Legion Post 210, he served as Financial Officer for several years. He was very dedicated to their mission of "Together, we make a difference." He firmly believed in the civic duty of voting. This was very important to him and he worked the polls faithfully, even during his illness. James later rededicated his life to the LORD at Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries. His heart for sharing the goodness of Jesus led him to evangelize to many and invite them to come to his church. James was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He was truly a family man and the family jokester. He leaves his legacy of strength, love, laughter, and compassion to us as a guide. Remaining to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 40 years, Rosalind W. Nelson; son, Aaron J. Nelson, Sr.; devoted daughter-in-law, Lydia Covington; grandsons, Aaron Jr. and Aceton; sister, Josephine N. Fleming; brother, Clyde O. Nelson; sister and brother-in-law, Renee W. and Arthur F. Walker; brother-in-law, Allen A. Washington; niece, Carmen Fleming; nephews, Darryl G. Fleming, Brian A. Walker and Jordan A. Walker; great-nephews, Zaire Massey and Eon Fleming; best friends, William "Billy" Adkins, William "Billy" Skeen, Calvin "Scoop" Jackson, and Steve Lewis; a host of loving relatives and loyal friends, and his beloved dog, Omar, whom he rescued. Jimmy will be greatly missed. However, we know God "thought he was worth saving, so he could be free." His Life isn't over, it's just beginning.

Tributes

James Ottoway Nelson Jr.

May 27, 1949 - October 6, 2017