Obituary of James Peter Nelson

James P. Nelson, age 84, died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at his home in St. Paul. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, March 13 at the Spielman Mortuary, with Suffragan Bishop Charles J. Foye, officiating. Visitation will be 1/2 hour prior to the service (12:30-1 PM) Private Inurnment Brother James Peter Nelson was the thirteenth child of thirteen born to Elder John Artie and Sister Mattie Mae Nelson. He was born September 23, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota and went to be with the Lord peacefully on March 1, 2012. He grew up in his father's church and was proud to be a preacher's child. He was married to Elizabeth Nelson and had a daughter, Shawntel Nelson and a son, Greg Pedro. James worked as a janitorial engineer until the day he retired from West Seventh Community Center in St. Paul. James also enjoyed his time working at the Minnesota State Fair each year and various jobs through the years. He enjoyed baseball and played on several teams; loved jazz and blues, and played the saxaphone and would share stories about playing with Ray Charles and many more. He was a top dominoes player (in his mind) and swore no one could beat him. James was a pool shark and picked up the nickname "Yacabucci" and enjoyed fishing when he could. James loved his family and spoke often and highly of his two grandchildren, Christopher and Athena. James was was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; sisters, Henrietta, Grace, Emma, Estella, Ruth, Billah, and Lillian; brothers, Joseph, John Jr., Alphonso, and Phillip. He leaves to mourn his passing: daughter, Shawntel; son, Greg; grandchildren, Chris and Athena; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends.