We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Dr. James N. Nelson. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Please share your stories, memories and photos. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Jim Nelson was born in Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School. He trained as a neurosurgeon, and, after mentoring from the world famous psychiatrist, Dr. Karl Menninger, practiced psychiatry for five decades. At a young age, he achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy serving in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. He was a Renaissance man and a delightful Raconteur. His stories are legendary--from leading... see more
Jim Nelson was born in Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School. He trained as a neurosurgeon, and, after mentoring from the world famous psychiatrist, Dr. Karl Menninger, practiced psychiatry for five decades. At a young age, he achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy serving in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. He was a Renaissance man and a delightful Raconteur. His stories are legendary--from leading a Navy team at the South Pole (including serving as vet to the huskies of the dog sled team!) to stories of his encounters with the rich and famous and not so rich and famous. He could talk to anybody about anything and was always a source of fascinating information on any topic. Jim was also a devoted family man and friend. His wife, Judy, and his three children, Jay, Nancy and Eric will be hosting this Celebration of a life well-lived. On these pages, please share your memories and stories that had meaning for you, especially the funny ones. Thank you for helping us celebrate this amazing life. Warmly, Judy
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God give you the needed comfort and strength at this difficult time. Isaiah 41:10
I am so sorry that I didn’t have my camera on until the toast at the end. I guess I was getting a little choked up with emotions about my mentor, colleague,... morePosted in behalf of Kirk McNagny:
Hi Judy,
That was a wonderful celebration of life for Jim!
I am so sorry that I didn’t have my camera on until the toast at the end. I guess I was getting a little choked up with emotions about my mentor, colleague, and friend at the Long Beach VA. He had a tremendous influence on me, first as my attending supervisor while I was a young resident in 1997, and then later as a colleague when I finished residency and started working in the Psychiatry Department. He was one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. He was a great source of wisdom for all of us and he led by example. He always had an interesting story to tell, which made him very popular at lunchtime when the staff would unwind. He was loved by all of us in the department, and he will be greatly missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Jim Nelson in 1989 while training as a psychiatry resident and rotating on the Active Duty inpatient Unit at the Long Beach VA where I still work today. Jim was always willing to help out in any setting as he loved his... moreI had the pleasure of meeting Dr Jim Nelson in 1989 while training as a psychiatry resident and rotating on the Active Duty inpatient Unit at the Long Beach VA where I still work today. Jim was always willing to help out in any setting as he loved his work. He was the only Attending Psychiatrist who would offer to help out with admissions or other patient care when we left for lectures at UC Irvine. He took us on many excursions to see the Battle ships in Long Beach or for adventures on other Military bases over the years. When I had the job to arrange for speakers for Grand Rounds, Jim would always volunteer his time and select an amazing and fascinating topic. Jim was always the first one to step up if there was an emergent situation. When we lost our resident coverage at night, Jim volunteered to take as many nights of call that was needed or to cover as many weekends that were unfilled. His was loved by his patients, some of whom still talk about him and miss him. He would never turn down a patient who walked in and needed to be seen regardless of his schedule. He shared his stories and his wisdom and books with me and I will never forget him. My life is better for knowing him. less
What a privilege it was to spend the last 3 years with Dr. Nelson (Jim). Along with being his handyman I also came to call him friend. I enjoyed his military stories and always felt as if I was listening to a piece of history. I so enjoyed solving many... moreWhat a privilege it was to spend the last 3 years with Dr. Nelson (Jim). Along with being his handyman I also came to call him friend. I enjoyed his military stories and always felt as if I was listening to a piece of history. I so enjoyed solving many of the worlds problems with him. I am a better man for knowing him. A kinder, gentler soft spoken man I have not met. He is missed. He lived long and prospered.
I was very fond of Mr. Jim Nelson. I will always remember our many conversations in my gym about farming, football,tractors, trucks and just life . It was easy to see how much Jim and Judy adored one another.They we’re a wonderful example of the way a... moreI was very fond of Mr. Jim Nelson. I will always remember our many conversations in my gym about farming, football,tractors, trucks and just life . It was easy to see how much Jim and Judy adored one another.They we’re a wonderful example of the way a relationship between a man and a woman should be . less