James R. Nelson

James R. Nelson, 95, of Jackson passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016, at The Cape Girardeau Veteran's Home.

Jim was born July 27, 1921 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Evelyn in February 1943. Together, they enjoyed 73 years of marriage. They are members of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. He loved hunting and fishing with his family. He made sure that all of his children and grandchildren enjoyed and respected the outdoors as much as he did.

Jim was a graduate of Monticello High School, Monticello, MO. Jim and Evelyn moved to Jackson, Missouri in 1950 and called it their home. Loving survivors include his wife, Evelyn Nelson and two children, Janet (David) Ludwig, Jackson, Missouri, and James Kent (Jean) Nelson, St. Mary, Missouri. Two grandchildren, Tracy (Ty) Metzger, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Jason (Amanda) Ludwig, St. Peters, Missouri. Five great-grandchildren, Gabe Metzger, Gracie Metzger, Mallorie Metzger, Mollie Metzger, and Holden Ludwig.

James enlisted June 2, 1942 in the Army-Air Corps and served in World War II. In 1943, Jim was called to active duty. In May 1943, he attended Preflight School and Air Force Ground School. August 4, 1944 Jim was commission First Lieutenant Air Force, became a pilot, and received his Air Force Wings. He became a pilot instructor for B25 airplanes and Instrument Instructor of B25 airplanes. In August 1945, He transferred to Corpus Christie, Texas for PBY Naval Training School and received his Navy Wings. He was one of the few Air Force pilots that was selected to teach the Navy pilots how to fly airplanes. In Okinawa, he flew Air Sea Rescuesa