James F. Nelson

NELSON, Mr. James F. Kalamazoo, MI Died Saturday evening April 28, 2007. James was born December 19, 1925 in Fort Morgan, Colorado a son of Glenn and Adrian Sheedy Nelson. During WWII he served with the U.S. Navy. He had been a longtime Kalamazoo area resident and was employed with the City of Kalamazoo for 24 years before retiring. Jim enjoyed traveling about the United States and loved to be with his family and friends, particularly during the summer bonfires. He also enjoyed fishing and an occasional afternoon at the pub with friends. Jim was an avid John Deere memorabilia collector and enjoyed listening to county western music. He was also a member of the Schoolcraft Eagles; American Legion; and the Carpenters Union. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Alvin and Bob Nelson; and a son, Dale Nelson. He is survived by his loving partner, Lucille Lang of Kalamazoo; 3 children, Robert Elizabeth Nelson of Dana Point, CA, Deb Tom Smalla of Otsego and Victoria David Chenelle of Saratoga, NY; 2 step children, Chuck Tera Kinnane of Plainwell and George Kinnane of Grand Rapids; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 1 o'clock Friday from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program.