A. James "Jimmy" Nelson, III

Albert James “Jimmy” Nelson, III, passed away on March 8, 2024, at the age of 83 years old, surrounded by his family. Sometimes known as “James” or “the Governor” by family or friends or “Poppy” by his grandchildren, Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Mathilde Janvier Nelson; his three sons, Albert James “Jim” Nelson, IV (Claudia), George Janvier Nelson (Virginia), and Christopher Matthew Nelson (Kelly); and his eight grandchildren, Caroline Janvier Nelson, Emily Louise Eble Nelson, Katherine Elizabeth Nelson, Davis George Nelson, Elizabeth Susan Mathilde Nelson, Luke Alexander Nelson, Matthew James Nelson, and William Michael Nelson. Jimmy was the older brother of Richard M. Nelson, Gwendolyn Nelson McAllen, and Watts M. Nelson (deceased).

Jimmy was a native New Orleanian who attended Andrew Wilson and St. Matthias grammar schools. He had a deep commitment to his Catholic faith from a young age and felt the calling to enter St. Benedict’s Seminary (St. Joseph Seminary College) for high school. Since his mother was not Catholic, he had to obtain the approval of the Archbishop of New Orleans. Although completely satisfied with his studies to become a Catholic priest, God had other ideas for him. As fate would have it, his sister, Gwennie, was attending a party in Pass Christian, Mississippi, with friends, including Mathilde Janvier, and suggested to Jimmy that he and some friends join them. Jimmy and Mathilde immediately connected and soon began their courtship that would lead to a marriage of over 60 years. Jimmy completed his college education and was in the first class of LSUNO (now UNO- University of New Orleans.) Jimmy was a well-respected life insurance agent, and earned the distinction of being a CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and worked for Metropolitan Life, Aetna Life & Casualty, Pan American Life and Penn Mutual. Jimmy ended his business care in partnership and working side by side with Mathilde in her very successful career as a real estate agent.

After Hurricane Katrina, Jimmy and Mathilde relocated to Georgia to be closer to their four youngest grandchildren. Having a love of the sun and beach, they moved to Orange Beach, Alabama in 2010 to live the remainder of their golden years. Always outgoing and one to easily make friends, Jimmy became involved in the Orange Beach Bridge Club and ultimately helped organize weekly games. He was recognized on a regular basis for his bridge playing skills and won many awards. He loved his Orange Beach neighbors and fellow bridge players and will miss them as much as they will miss him. In addition to bridge, Jimmy had many hobbies and was an excellent tennis player, passionate golfer, and skilled fisherman. He loved everything LSU and Mardi Gras and was known for his seasonal Mardi Gras and LSU attire and decorations in Orange Beach. His most passionate hobby was his involvement in his son’s and grandchildren’s school, little league, and social activities, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Carrollton Boosters, and others. He was a longtime lecturer and parish council member at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Amongst his grandchildren’s favorite memories of “Poppy” were their regular Saturday morning visits to kids’ workshops at Lowes or Home Depot and constructing various items followed by special one on one lunches at McDonald’s. Jimmy was a member of the Boston Club and several carnival organizations.

Given his selfless personality and passion to help others, he long ago decided that upon his death he wanted his body to be donated to the University of South Alabama Medical School and his family fulfilled this wish.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center for their outstanding compassion and care of Jimmy in his final days.

Celebrations of Jimmy’s life will take place in both Gulf Shores, Alabama and New Orleans. Relatives and friends in Alabama are invited to attend a visitation and Memorial Mass on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 9:00AM at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, 308 E. 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542. Visitation will be from 9:00AM until Mass time at 10:00AM. A reception and celebration of Jimmy’s life will follow at the Orange Beach Senior Center, 26251 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561 from 11:00AM until 12:00PM.

Relatives and friends in New Orleans are invited to attend a visitation and Memorial Mass on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00AM at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until Mass at noon. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Southern Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119 (www.jesuitnola.org); Harry Tompson Center Homeless Shelter, c/o Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Baronne St., New Orleans, LA 70112 (www.harrytompsoncenter.org); Martha’s Vineyard-The Family House, 110 West Strong St., Pensacola, FL 32501 (www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org); or Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast, 14004 Boros Rd., Elberta, AL 36530 (www.maryssheltergulfcoast.org).

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com