William "James" Nelson

William "James" Nelson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories, laughter, and countless lives that were better because he was in them.

He was a man who loved his family deeply and made taking care of the people he loved one of the most important parts of his life. He was the kind of person who would show up when you needed him, lend a helping hand without being asked, and make sure the people around him were taken care of. His family was his greatest pride, and his love for them could be seen in everything he did.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Tabatha, and his seven children: Jared (Nichole), Joshua, Cordell (Akasha), Kameron (Moriah), Faith, Terrence, and Colin, along with his beloved grandchildren: Elijah, Lily, Ezra, and Ellie, who brought him so much joy and gave him even more reasons to smile. He also leaves behind his mother, Sandra Fay, his five siblings, and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl; his brothers, Jeremiah and Cordell; and his sister, Shawndell. Though their loss was deeply felt, he is now reunited with those he loved and missed so dearly.

To know James was to know a man with a huge heart. He cared about his family and friends as though they were his responsibility, and he never hesitated to give his time, his love, or whatever he had to help someone else. He created a sense of family wherever he went, and there are countless people who will remember him not only as a relative or friend, but as someone they could always count on.

And then there was his cooking.

There will never be another cook quite like him. He had a way of making food that somehow made everything feel better. His cooking wasn't just about the meal-it was about bringing people together. The kitchen was one of the places where he showed his love, and everyone who had the privilege of eating something he made knew they were in for something special. He was, without a doubt, the best cook around, and his recipes, meals, and the memories made around his table will live on in the hearts of his family for years to come.

His absence will leave an emptiness that words cannot fully describe. His children will miss their dad, his grandchildren will miss their grandfather, his wife will miss her husband and partner, and his family and friends will miss the man who was always there for them.

But his life will not be remembered only by the day he left us. He will be remembered in the stories that are told, the laughter that fills a room, the family gatherings, the recipes that are made and passed down, and in every moment, someone says, "He would have loved this."

He gave his family something that cannot be replaced: a lifetime of love, protection, memories, and lessons that will continue through the generations. His greatest legacy will always be the people he loved and the lives he touched.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we were given with him. We will carry his memory with us, tell his stories, keep his traditions alive, and love each other a little harder because of the example he left behind.

Rest peacefully, James.

You were deeply loved.

You were greatly appreciated.

You will be missed more than words can say.

And you will never, ever be forgotten.

Until we meet again.

There will be a Celebration of Life for William "James" Nelson at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - 90th Chapel, on Sunday (9/20/2026) from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.