James Joseph Nelson

July 19, 1986 - December 21, 2022

James Joseph Nelson, age 36, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21^st. He was born July 19^th, 1986, to Paul and Laurie (Hungerford) Nelson. He was a 2004 graduate of Dodgeland High School, where he made lifelong, loyal friends. James welcomed a daughter and son into the world, Lilly, and Brody. His passions included music of all genres, especially those that sounded best coming from a Juke Box. He was a Juke box hero. His signature dance move was the finger guns, which he perfected in his time here. James loved to laugh and enjoyed making light of otherwise serious situations. A highly intelligent individual, his wealth of random knowledge, unique perspective, and insight will be missed.

James is survived by his two young children, Lilly Wruck and Brody Nelson, as well as three siblings: Paul (Whitney) Nelson, Laurie (Jacob) Reckner, and David (Sabrina) Nelson. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many caring friends and family members.
James is preceded in death by his mom, Laurie Nelson.

A private memorial will be held for close family members at a future date. In lieu of cards, gifts, or flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Homeless Outreach Coordinator in Milwaukee County: Please visit www.keytochangemke.com/products/donate select a donation amount, and select ‘Downtown Homeless Outreach Coordinator’ in the dropdown menu. This group of individuals personally go out to find people living homeless and attempt to relocate them to safer, warmer environments. They also work diligently to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee County. A special thank you to them for their work with James.

James Joseph Nelson, age 36, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21st. He was born July 19th, 1986, to Paul and Laurie (Hungerford) Nelson. He was a 2004 graduate of Dodgeland High School, where he made lifelong, loyal friends. James welcomed a daughter and son into the world, Lilly, and Brody. His passions included musicContinue Reading

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I worked with James for a short time as a server in Waterloo he will be missed he was always funny and kind hearted he will be missed rest easy james. My heart goes out to his family

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Nelson . Plant a Tree

My deepest sympathy to James family at this very difficult time of loss. Having worked with the homeless community in a Wisconsin city I can attest to the struggle of the person dealing with being on the street. I have seen and felt the heartbreak of the families who continue to seek help and never give up hope. In this enormous tragedy of homelessness in our communities we find those who want off the streets and those who feel they fit best on the streets, who prefer to never be put in a stable environment. We can't possibly judge our homeless neighbors, for unless we have walked in their shoes we truly do not understand. It is however very important to remember that God has called James home and he now resides in the most glorious home anyone could have. Even if he didn't choose to protect himself there was always his God protecting him and finally calling the struggle over. It's your time now James to rest easy, no more struggles, no more pain. To James family, I didn't know your beloved son and brother but I wanted to say just a few words to show you that just seeing his picture, just reading his obituary, just feeling so deeply his struggle, I want you to know that I am truly sorry for your loss. Rest Well James and Rest Well Family knowing he is safe and warm from here to eternity. My favorite quote every time I grieve the loss of my father- "I'm Still Here, I'm Just Out of Sight" He is forever in your hearts. Be Well Friends.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.