James Charles Nelson

Obituary James C. Nelson James C. Nelson of Federal Way, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2018 at the age of 89. He was surrounded by loved ones. James was born in Kilkenny, Minnesota on October 5, 1928 to Mary and Percy Nelson. He was raised in Kilkenny where he attended high school. When he was 17 he met his future wife Colleen at a dance. Shortly thereafter, Jim enlisted in the Navy but never forgot the girl from the dance so... Jim and Colleen were married on October 29, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii -where Jim was stationed. Jim and Colleen shared their lives together for 68 years. During his 20-year career with the US Navy, Jim swiftly moved up the ranks to attain Chief Petty Officer. His naval career enabled him to travel to many exotic ports of call, a favorite of which was Greece. Memorabilia of his naval experiences included photos capturing such highlights as meeting president John F. Kennedy and throwing a birthday party for his favorite military service dog, Baron. Retirement from the US Navy saw Jim entering the civilian sector as an insurance broker. In addition to working as an insurance broker, Jim easily occupied his time raising a family of six, actively participating in his Catholic church, maintaining a beautiful garden, enjoying sailboat rides with his family and delighting in feeding the neighborhood squirrels or occasional wayward overweight neighborhood dachshund. Jim will be remembered for his selfless and courageous service in the Korean war, as a cherished father, much beloved grandfather and devout Irish Catholic. His presence at the head of the dinner table and leader of grace will be profoundly missed. Though his passing marks the end of an important era, it is because of his life and death that a new generation is given the opportunity to honor his legacy of faith, kindness, generosity and courage. He is preceded in death by Mary Colleen, his wife of 68 years, his son Patrick T. Nelson, his daughter Shannon Rose Nelson, grandchildren; Erik Weslin and Erin Brashaber, mother; Mary Tilbury and sister Patsy Tilbury. He is survived by sisters; Kathleen Nelson Pitkin and Maryann Tilbury (Wes)Gibson, daughters; Kathleen Nelson, Christine (Patrick) Nelson, Ann (Jon)Weslin, sons; Michael Nelson, Timothy (Deidre)Nelson, grandchildren; Kristin (Matt), Kebbe, Brett Brashaber, Sean (Jenai) Nelson, Colleen Weslin, Megan Nelson, Anika Nelson and great grandchildren; Alexis, Keira, Molly, Conor Jon, Emily, Ethan, Mia, Jace, Beckett and Mickey. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St Vincent DePaul Catholic Church 30525 8TH AVE S, Federal Way WA 98003, Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11am . A Vigil will be held at 7pm Thursday August 16, also at the church. Internment at Gethsemane Cemetery. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home