James Nelson

James Byron Nelson, 83, of Statham, Georgia, passed away on July 13, 2023. James, fondly known as Jim, was born to Edwin and Margaret Nelson on February 24, 1940 in Tiffin, Ohio. He graduated from Freeport High School, home of the Pretzels. As a talented athlete, Jim attended Carthage College where he played football, baseball, and golf.  He was an All-Conference center in 1961. Jim began his career at Alcan Cable in 1962. Not long after college, Jim met the love of his life, Carol Spencer.  They were married on December 30, 1966.  Always up for an adventure, Jim and Carol moved in 1974 to Switzerland for a year as Jim completed as Master’s in Business Management.  Jim enjoyed a 40-year career at Alcan, where he retired as vice president of sales in 1997.

Jim’s greatest accomplishments are his three boys, David, Mike, and Danny. Jim’s love of sports was passed down to his boys through all his years of youth coaching and attending their games.  Jim’s pipe smoke could often be detected on the sidelines as he coached or watched his boys at practice.  Jim never met a stranger and loved to laugh. He was often known for his love of band music, especially The Ohio State marching band. His boys fondly remember long road trips traveling to see family in Chicago and Minnesota where band music played at a loud volume for miles and miles.

Jim played a significant role within the Brookwood High School Touchdown Club, serving as the treasurer for 15 years.  Jim’s contributions were honored when he was inducted as an inaugural member of the Brookwood High School Hall of Fame. Jim was a fixture at Friday night football games for many years cheering on the Broncos.  Jim and Carol resided in Lilburn and decided to move to the Georgia Club in 2005. As an avid golfer, Jim spent many days out on the course and accomplished a hole-in-one three times over the years. Jim and Carol were longtime members of Alps Road Presbyterian Church.

As a proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren, Jim was often at every sporting event or marching band performance to watch them play. Jim even got in a ballet performance for his granddaughter (an event he never thought he would attend as a father of three boys). His grandchildren always enjoyed his infamous Donald Duck impersonations and the annual family trips to one of his favorite places, St. Simons Island.  Even later in his life, Jim made it to championship games and graduations for his grandchildren. He was always their biggest supporter.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bob Stitt. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol, and his sons, David, Mike, and Danny and daughters-in-law, Heidi and Emily, as well as nine grandchildren: JT, Carson, Luke, Eli, Nate, Charlie, Caroline, Margaret, and Henry. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Stitt, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Mary Ann Jakala as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5 at Lord and Stephens, West Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bob Bohler officiating. Friends and family are invited to a reception at The Georgia Club following the service to join the family in celebrating Jim’s life and sharing memories together. In memory of Jim, men may wear their favorite golf shirt to the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests those desiring may make donations to Alps Road Presbyterian Church.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com