James Donald Nelson

Graveside services celebrating the life of Mr. James Donald Nelson will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Nelson, age 83, of Meridian passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.

James was born on May 20, 1942 in Kansas City, MO. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, honorably serving his country during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief after 21 years of faithful service. He attended Northcrest Baptist Church as long as his health permitted. He was an avid skeet shooter, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and off roading. Along with his hobbies, he enjoyed volunteering as a range safety officer as well as taking senior citizens to their appointments.

Survivors include his children, Scott Nelson (Minda), Janette Van Dyke, and Jennifer Beucher; step-children, Debbie Thurston (Skip), Craig Poythress (Sherry), Keith Poythress (Gayla), and Michael Poythress; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Poythress-Nelson and one sister, Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Nelson be made to Disabled American Veterans or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.