James Mason Nelson

James Mason Nelson passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, three days shy of his 100th birthday at home with his family at his side. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, June Oakford Nelson, who died on November 1, 2023. June and Jim’s love for one another was celebrated across 73 years of marriage. Their affection was evident in their playful eye contact and banter. Their consideration for one another illustrated a partnership of respect, trust and admiration.

Jim Nelson was born in Los Angeles in 1925, the son of Minnie Condit Nelson and George Mason Nelson. The Nelson family are descendants of George Mason, the renowned 18th century Virginia statesman and American patriot. Jim Nelson was a varsity athlete at Beverly Hills High School, and in 1943 he was sent to Army boot camp instead of his graduation ceremony. He served in the Army Air Corps in Europe and survived a harrowing crash during a mission over Italy, then trekked through hostile territory to safety. He and his B25 crewmates reconvened at many events in the ensuing decades. Jim also maintained lifelong friendships with buddies from his youth, attending USC sporting events, playing tennis, hiking and road-tripping. He was proud of his career as a CalTrans engineer which contributed to the development of highways and other infrastructure that helped Los Angeles flourish.

June Oakford Nelson graced the lives of friends and family with her kindness and happiness for 94 years. Also a native of Los Angeles she was the daughter of Bonnie Henrietta Winters Oakford and Leon Martin Oakford, and kid sister to Richard Oakford. Her maternal ancestors include Benjamin Davis Wilson, the Southern California pioneer after whom Mt. Wilson is named. June attended Beverly Hills High, class of 1947, and swam with the Aquabelles. Her chief loves were her husband, Jim, and her children, Diane and Tim; her grandchildren; and her crafts of quilting and doll-making. June’s beautiful smile, warmth and humility welcomed family and neighbors into her home, and she took a sincere interest in the lives of everyone in her orbit. As “Rosie” the Girl Scout leader for ten years she gamely led her troops on camping trips and more genteel adventures.

Jim and June Nelson are survived by their two children, Diane Nelson Daly (Jack), Timothy Mason Nelson (Pamela); four grandchildren, Jeffrey Nelson (Lindsey), Emilie Nelson (Marlaina), Michael Daly and Hannah Daly; and great grandchildren Eloise and Lennon Nelson. They left us with a world enriched by kindness, faithfulness, love and joy.