James A. Nelson

After a hard fight, our community lost a good man, and friend. James A. Nelson, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 69 years old.  Jim is survived by his wife, A’Lona Nelson; stepchildren, Jennifer (John) Hutchins, Patricia Hamilton, and Raeann Johnson; grandchildren, Kolten, Aria, Albury and Kadynce. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, H. George and Genevieve Nelson; and his sisters, Shirley, Joanne, and Elaine. Jim had a long career as an actor and studied mime under Marcel Marceau. His career spanned over 35 years regionally and nationally in both plays and movies. As a professor at Thomas More College, Jim impacted the lives of hundreds of students. He was a juggler, a teacher, a talented scenic designer, a writer, an animal lover, a bourbon lover, and an all-around pillar of our community. Upon retirement, Jim and A’Lona became denizens of the Mainstrasse area in Covington, KY. Jim's easygoing nature and willingness to always share a good story touched many lives in and around the Covington community. And he will be sorely missed perched atop his usual seat during happy hour at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar.

“Someone Prayed”

The Lord reached down
Lifted the burden
That held me down
The sun turned bright
My smile returned
Because someone Prayed.

By: Gen Nelson

Jim’s final wish was to be laid to rest with his family in Escanaba, MI. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba with Father Timothy Ferguson officiating.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. An informal celebration of life with be held at the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington, KY on June 25, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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