Nelson James Gough

Passed away on January 30, 2024 at his home at Fleet Landing, in Atlantic Beach, Florida. He was predeceased by his father, James Emerson Gough and his mother Helen Nelson Gough. He was born in Jersey City, NJ on April 30, 1936. He grew up in Chatham NJ and graduated from Chatham High School in 1953. He was a graduate of Colgate University, class of 1957 where he played soccer and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Nelson also later received an M.B.A from the University of Alabama while on active duty.

Upon graduation from Colgate, Nelson was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force, serving 30 years on active duty. He served as Officer in Charge of a Combat Control Team at Hulburt Field, Florida, serving a tour in Vietnam, the first of two deployments to Southeast Asia. During this time, he was involved in the development of the Fulton Recovery System, known as Skyhook. He was one of the first individuals to be successfully picked up from the ground by a Fulton Equipped C-123 aircraft. He held Master Paratrooper status and also earned jump wings from Vietnam, Germany and Greece.

Much of Nelson’s career was spent as an Intelligence Officer. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff of Intelligence for the Alaskan Air Command in Anchorage, AK, from 1979 -1983. His final assignment was as J2, Intelligence Director, of United States Readiness Command and United States Special Operations Command, at MacDill Air Force, Tampa, FL from 1983 – 1987. Among his decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

In retirement Nelson spent many happy hours at the MacDill AFB golf course, especially enjoying his many years as a member of the Saturday Classic. He managed to get down to a single digit handicap, but a hole in one eluded him. He loved to go on cruises, which was an annual event, along with annual weeks spent at Longboat Key. He dabbled in cooking, and became proficient at several family favorites. He and Susan were active in the Episcopal Church and were long time members of St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, Temple Terrace, FL. Evening gatherings in “Gough's Garden” were, for many years, a tradition causing neighbors to become good friends. Welcoming each of his 4 grandchildren into the world was one his greatest joys.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Susan. They met while she was stationed as a nurse at Eglin AFB and were married at the Hurlburt base chapel in 1966. He is survived by his daughters Amy Maloney (Ryan) Jacksonville, FL; Sarah Pirtle (Brandon d.) Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Christopher Maloney, Sarah Maloney, Samuel Pirtle and Emma Pirtle; sisters Patty Beck and Diana Tindall.

Nelson was a man of great integrity, a faithful and devoted husband, a loving and proud father and grandfather, and a true patriot. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Timothy 2: 4-7

A memorial service at Fleet Landing and interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery are planned in the future.