James Edward Nelson
March 14, 1935 – November 9, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Edward Nelson, age 89, on November 9, 2024. James was born on March 14, 1935, in rural Guthrie Center, Iowa, born to Arthur Nelson and Mae Nelson (Hays) and spent his life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His warmth, kindness, and enduring love for his family will be deeply missed.

Throughout his life, James was known for his easy smile and his unwavering commitment to his family and the Lord. A man of deep faith, James attended the Omaha Bible Institute (now Ankeny Baptist Bible Institute) graduating in 1960, where he cultivated his love for the Lord and his calling to ministry. Over the years, he served as a pastor and preacher in many churches across Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado, always eager to lead others to Christ. He worked in various roles, always using every opportunity to share the message of the gospel with those he met. James was also a proud farmer, acknowledged for being a Master Corn and Soybean Grower (1973) in Chariton, Iowa. His passion for agriculture was matched only by his passion for God’s work. He built a legacy of service, kindness, and faithfulness that has left an indelible mark on his family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his beloved brother-in-law and sister, Max and Madeline Cline, and brother-in-law Amos Royer; son-in-law, Kevin Hegstad and his granddaughter, Dasia Nelson. He was also preceded in death by Leroy Nelson, several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances Nelson (New); his sister, Marilyn Royer (Nelson); his daughter, Sherlyn Hegstad; and his son, Ron (Missy) Nelson. James was a proud grandfather to Blake Nelson, Alivia (Dalton) Hinde, Curtis Scott, and Amberlee Scott. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Knox and Hadley Hinde.

James' legacy will live on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as in the countless friends and neighbors who were touched by his devotion to the Lord. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace, reunited with countless people he helped find the Lord, and will forever be remembered with love.

Visitation will be held at 6-8:00 p,m,, Monday, November 11, 2024 at the Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa.

A funeral service to celebrate James' life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery, with a lunch provided at Grace Baptist Church to follow.

The family requests that remembrances be made to Frances Nelson at 1516 West Circle Drive, McCook, NE 69001.

James will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord he so faithfully served.

 Rest in peace, James. You will be missed, but never forgotten.