James Nelson

Born June 4, 1924 to Milton and Jessie (nee Wall). Married to Mary (nee Christian) for 64 years. Dearly loved father of Michael, John (Wanda), Mary Pat (Thomas) Lindl, Nancy (Peter) Swan, Thomas, Ann (Clement) Smith. Funny Grandpa to Harmony Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Colleen Lindl, Bonnie (Kenneth) Hampton, Ian Lindl, Heidi Swan, Jessie Swan, James Swan, Michael Swan, Gregory Nelson, Sarah Nelson, Matthew (Emily) Smith, Casey (Ashley) Smith, and Haley Smith. Great-grandpa to Lily, Elijah, Ari, Logan and Callie. Great brother of Dan (the late Marcy) Nelson. Further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Jim was associated with C.W. Transport, Inc. for 34 years. He served in the Air Force during WWII as a crew member on a C46, flying 71 round-trip missions over 'The Hump'--the Hymalaya Mountains route called the Aluminum Trail. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He was a member of Alonzo Cudworth Legion Post 23 for 57 years and served as Commander. He was a member of the Cudworth Male Chorus for 52 years and served as President. He volunteered at St. Luke's South Shore (Trinity) Hospital for 17 years. He was a proud member of the Old Goats Club where he led singing for years and told sometimes good jokes.

Jim loved Mary and his family. He enjoyed entertaining his friends and anyone who would listen to his humor and wit. He looked forward to his many fishing trips up North with his sons and friends and always threw his prize fish back in for another catch. He had a passion for Frank Sinatra's music, cooking the 'best chili' and refinishing antique furniture in his garage while joking with his neighbors.

He was devoted to Saint Padre Pio. He made life on this Earth more enjoyable for all those around him and never lost his boyish spirit. He was a good son, a devoted and faithful husband and a loving and supportive Father and Grandfather.

During his many hours in the air over the Himalayas, he would sometimes rhyme and sing his routine reports to amuse the Air Traffic Controllers:

"Hello VICTOR GEORGE this is 272,

My position report is coming to you.

We're CHARLIE FOX ROGER on the EASY COURSE,

I'd use CHARLIE WILLIAM but I don't know MORSE,

We're at twenty-one thousand going to OBO NAM,

And we want to get there as fast as we can.

This is 272 saying OVER to you."

Thank you to James Bode and the Doctors, Staff and Valets at the Zablocki VA Clinic and Hospital and N.O.S. Healthcare for their excellent care, concern and help. Rather than flowers, memorials to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Palliative Care, 5000 W. National Av. Milwaukee, WI and to Pro-Life Wisconsin, 19270 N. Hills Dr., Brookfiled, WI appreciated.

Memorial Mass Friday September 23 at 5 PM at Divine Mercy- Marquette Av. 800 Marquette Av., South Milwaukee. Rev. Robert Betz celebrant. Visitation Friday, at the Church, from 3 PM until time of Mass. Inurnment Southern WI Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Molthen-Bell & Sons Funeral Home

Serving the Family

South Milwaukee, WI

(414) 762 - 0154