Nelson Joseph Thibodeaux Jr.

Nelson Joseph Thibodeaux Jr. passed away September 12, 2025, at the age of 77 after a long hard battle with vascular dementia. Living up to his reputation, he fought until the very end. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.

Nelson was born on January 7, 1948, in Beaumont, TX. He grew up in China, Texas with his mom, sister, and stepdad, where they lived on acreage and where Nelson gained his love for all animals, especially his beloved dogs that were his constant companions.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Lamar University in Beaumont and then attended the University of Mid Florida where he earned a doctorate in marketing. He came back to Texas where he met Jamie, and they married on August 8, 1981, and then had their son Skye and daughter Raven. They were married for 44 years. Nelson always knew he was the luckiest man alive to have snagged Jamie. He was the very best husband and dad anyone could ask for and an even better Papadeaux (Papa). He loved hard and everyone loved him. Nelson’s children and grandchildren adore him.

Nelson was never one to stay still and was a very successful serial entrepreneur from an early age. His businesses ranged from building tennis courts, to telecommunications, to entertainment, owning video stores and the Grapevine Opry and Palace Theater where he brought in top entertainers such as the Judds, Porter Wagner, Boxcar Willie and Little Jimmie Dickens. He was a trend setter, a creative leader and willing to take risks. He sold the first laser discs and first big screen TVs produced. He did the first commercial satellite video down link that is commonplace now. He sold and bought companies and took companies public.

Nelson was also a very active leader in Colleyville, serving on the city council and as mayor pro tem. He was a member of the Colleyville Lions Club and Colleyville Citizens on Patrol. The Colleyville Tax Increment Financing District is the most successful economic engine in Colleyville history and as a council member Nelson was the first to conceive that idea. Nelson was also instrumental in starting several organizations and activities in Colleyville including the Celebrate Colleyville festival, the Colleyville Executive Organization (CEO) and the original Heroes Park. On September 11, 2025, Nelson received the honor of being inducted into the new Colleyville Heroes Park as a Community Hero.

Nelson was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Annabelle Lee Mitchell; his father, Nelson J. Thibodeaux, Sr.; his stepfather Arthur A. Mitchell; and his sister, Betty Jean LeBert. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Spinks Thibodeaux; his son, Skye Thibodeaux and wife Danielle and sons Erixen Thomas (11) and Ethan Nelson (6); and his daughter Raven Waguespack and husband Chris and daughter Piper Zoey (7).

Visitation with family and friends will be 1 pm Wednesday September 17, 2025, with the funeral following immediately at 2 pm at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX. Graveside service to follow.

Pallbearers: Skye Thibodeaux, Chris Waguespack, Mayor Bobby Lindamood, Frank Carroll, Dr. Ken Gordan and Trip Baker

Honorary Pallbearers: Dennis Johnson, Clif Holliday and George Dodson

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at BluebonnetHills.com.