James Nelson

James R. Nelson, 95, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Jim was born July 27, 1921, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Evelyn in February 1943. James and Evelyn moved to Jackson in 1950 and called it their home. Together, they enjoyed 73 years of marriage. They were members of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Jim loved hunting and fishing with his family. He made sure all of his children and grandchildren enjoyed and respected the outdoors as much as he did.

Jim was a graduate of Monticello High School in Monticello, Missouri.

He enlisted June 2, 1942, in the Army Air Corps and served in World War II.

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In 1943, Jim was called to active duty. In May 1943, he attended Preflight School and Air Force Ground School.

On Aug. 4, 1944, Jim was commissioned a first lieutenant in the 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 Christi, Texas, for PBY Naval Training School and received his Navy wings. He was one of the few Air Force pilots who was selected to teach the Navy pilots how to fly airplanes.

In Okinawa, he flew air-sea rescues and reconnaissance missions.

In August 1947, Jim received an honorable discharge from the Air Force with the rank of captain. If he had stayed in the Air Force, he would have been promoted to major.

He remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1951, when he resigned his commission.

Jim was very modest and humble about his service to the United States but was very proud to have served his country. He was a true patriot from the greatest generation.

In 1947, Jim received a bachelor's degree in education from Truman State University at Kirksville, Missouri. In 1951, he received a master of arts in arts in administration from Missouri University at Columbia.

From 1951 to 1962, Jim was an instructor at Jackson High School, where he taught industrial arts, driver education, mechanical drawing and marketing and was coordinator of the Diversified Education Program.

From 1963 to 1986, Jim was principal of Jackson High School. While he served as principal, he was instrumental in establishing girls basketball and girls track; he had a decisive hand in the formulation of curriculum; he served as principal 23 years and signed over 5,000 diplomas; he established a foreign student exchange program with the Rotary Club; and he established the Jackson High School local scholarship program awarded to Jackson High seniors at commencement.

Jim's best legacy was his open door and ethical policies established during his tenure. He touched and shaped Jackson's youth for many years.

The American Legion Post 158 of Jackson was an important element in his life. He served as commander of Post 158 in 1996. He was a member of the Honor Guard and Past Commanders Club. As commander, he established and completed a set of bylaws for American Legion Post 158 of Jackson. These bylaws are effective and complete for today's operations and standards.

Jim set up and volunteered public bingo with American Legion Post 158 of Jackson as a fundraiser for general funds of operations. He established American Legion Post 158 Scholarships to be awarded to Jackson High school graduating seniors at graduation ceremonies.

Jim coordinated and advised talent shows for Jackson Homecomers that were sponsored by American Legion Post 158 of Jackson.

He served on the executive board through the growth of the post. He was the historian and kept newspaper articles relating to American Legion Post 158's accomplishments.

He took photographs at all events and submitted items to the newspapers for publication. He received the American Legion Meritorious Service Award in 2010.

Jim became involved in community service by serving as manager of the Jackson Swimming Pool from 1956 to 1967. At the Jackson Swimming Pool, he developed and implemented the current swim-lesson program and awarded completed swimmers instruction cards. He also developed and implemented a policy for lifeguard training and swim-instructor training.

Jim was a member of Jackson Planning and Zoning Committee and Board of Adjustments. He was a past Rotarian. He held membership in Missouri Historical Society, Jackson Heritage Association (Education Award 1998), Amateur Radio Club of Southeast Missouri and numerous education associations. He served as chairman of the Southeast Principals Association. He received the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award in 1999 from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

Loving survivors include his wife, Evelyn Nelson; two children, Janet (David) Ludwig of Jackson and James Kent (Jean) Nelson of St. Mary, Missouri; two grandchildren, Tracy (Ty) Metzger of Cape Girardeau and Jason (Amanda) Ludwig of St. Peters, Missouri; and five great-grandchildren, Gabe Metzger, Gracie Metzger, Mallorie Metzger, Mollie Metzger and Holden Ludwig.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Chapel B of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Service will be held at 6 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating.

Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the James Nelson Memorial and Scholarship Fund (Jackson R-2 Foundation) and the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Condolences may be shared at mccombsfuneralhome.com.