Jake (J.C.) Nelson died peacefully in his sleep, at home, on June 18th, 2021. He was 94 and lived in Hoover since 1981. Born in 1926 in Texas, he was part of the “Greatest Generation”. Joined the Navy at 17, and served on board the maiden voyage of the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier late in World War II. There he made many friends who he kept in touch with throughout his life; the reunion gatherings at various port cities was a highlight. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Allie Mae Nelson of Boaz, Alabama. Jake was the last surviving sibling of 4 brothers (Emmitt, Paul, Caywood and Stan) and 1 sister (Gladys) who he grew up with in both Millerville and Albertville, Alabama. He married Jacqueline in 1949 in Albertville and this June they celebrated their 72nd anniversary. Jackie cared for him his last months of a long illness. Jake was a proud graduate of Auburn University in accounting and worked for US Steel his entire 35 year career. Retiring at 58 years old, he was retired longer than he worked. His work career was split between the steel cities of Pittsburgh, PA and Birmingham. He was always an active Baptist and served as a deacon and treasurer at several churches for many years. He loved Auburn football
and especially enjoyed ribbing Alabama fans. He loved golf, and although a bad shoulder limited his swing, he made up for it with a mean short game. Jake is survived by two sons, Mike (married to Jeanne) and Steve (married to Geri), 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephew and their children. His sons will forever remember his quiet influence; his “grands” will remember their “Pop”.
There will be a service at Shades Crest Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 22nd at 1pm, after a private burial at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. To sum up Pop: “Quiet, Devout and Devoted.” In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Shades Crest Baptist Church Building Fund or to your favorite charity.
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