Douglas James Nelms

"I wish it need not have happened in my time, " said Frodo.

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." J.R.R. Tolkien

On October 27th, 2015, Douglas James Nelms lost his battle with Cancer after a mere two and a half years.

His story began in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 21st 1961 where Doug was born to James and Edna Nelms. Already having an older sister, Cathy Murray, it was a few years before he then had himself a younger brother as well, Greg Nelms. Together they grew up in Port Byron, Illinois, where Doug spent most of his childhood before finally settling down in Tampa, Florida. It was in Tampa that Doug eventually met his future wife, Cindy. After three years of dating, they tied the knot in 1989 and most recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary together.

During the time leading up to this sacred union, Doug served as a combat airborne engineer in the 27th Engineer Battalion and met many good friends and "brothers" with whom he created many great memories.

The greatest achievements of his life, though, will always be his two children, Melissa and Jared. He loved them dearly and was extremely proud of their accomplishments so far.

It is with heavy hearts that Cindy, Jared, Melissa, her fiancé Andrew Burroughs and their beloved pet Kira say goodbye to an adoring husband, a loving father and a cherished son.