Nelson James Shaw

Nelson J. Shaw Nelson James Shaw, 58, of Charlottesville, a county forester for the State of Virginia and member of its Honor Guard, died suddenly Friday evening, April 26, 2013, at Martha Jefferson Hospital. He was in the presence of God, family and friends. Family visitation will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Northridge Community Church of the Nazarene, 5100 Dickenson Road in northern Albemarle County (across from Bamboo House on 29N). Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at the church. Graveside services will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens. A light meal will be held at the church following interment. He was born October 12, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Harry Dickenson Shaw and Rita Hoffman Shaw. He graduated from Glenville (West Virginia) State College and received his Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, graduating magna cum laude in 1979. Though Nelson was born with cerebral palsy and profound hearing impairment, he learned to lip-read early on and achieved significant accomplishments. He had a lifelong passion for forestry, and pursued a career with the Virginia Department of Forestry for 33 years, working from Charlottesville since 1985. He was a proud member of the Department's Honor Guard. He was known for setting high standards for himself and his colleagues, motivated by a desire to overcome obstacles and feel equal despite his handicaps. Nelson met the love of his life, Joan Anetia O'Donnell, at a Bible study while she was attending the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. They married April 13, 1985, and moved to Charlottesville. They have two sons, Joshua Daniel Shaw and Jeremiah Daniel Shaw. Nelson was active in Scouting, starting as a boy in Cub Scouts, then Boy Scouts. He earned his Eagle Scout badge and Three Palms. As an adult, he served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader; he also served as a Merit Badge counselor. He received his Wood Badge Award. Nelson had a strong relationship with God; he trusted in Him to get him through every single day. He was a member of Northridge Community Church of the Nazarene. "Nelson has worked harder than anyone I have ever known just to be considered equal because of his handicap," said his wife of 28 years. "He led by example in teaching integrity to his sons, who are following in his footsteps." Surviving Nelson are his wife and two sons of Charlottesville; a sister, Joan Shaw Mullins and her husband, Coy Mullins, of Culloden, West Virginia; and an aunt, Helen Bolles of North Carolina. Flowers are welcome. Also, contributions may be made to the Northridge Community Church of the Nazarene in Nelson's name toward tree plantings or to the Boy Scouts of America. Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.