“The Navy Diver is not a fighting man, he is a salvage expert. If it is lost underwater, he finds it. If it’s sunk, he brings it up. If it’s in the way, he moves it. If he’s lucky, he will die young, 200 feet beneath the waves, for that is the closest he’ll ever get to being a hero. Hell, I don’t know why anybody would want to be a Navy diver.” – “Men of Honor” 2000
Retired Commander James Rad Nelson, 81, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Cmdr. James Rad Nelson was born in Waskom, Texas, on Dec. 11, 1928, to the parents of Rad Emery Nelson and Mary Lucille Rogers. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1946. Throughout his 36-year career, he was a Deep Sea Salvage Diver, a UDT “Frogman” and was a member of the first UDT unit to see combat action during the Korean War. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1960 and had five “at sea” commands. He was commander of River Assault Division 112 in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Combat “V” and two Purple Hearts. His last command before retiring in 1982 was as commanding officer of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City.
At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest diver in the U.S. Navy.
Not content with retirement, he became a sworn officer with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and served 15 years retiring as a sergeant. He was also an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ Lamb of God.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna Nelson; three sons, William Nelson and wife, Divina, Harry Nelson and Rad Nelson and wife, Diane; one brother, Michael Nelson; two sisters, Betty Espinola and Ann Blankenship; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010, in the Chapel of Kent-Forest Lawn, with Brother Don Hodges officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the funeral home.
Rest easy, Diver.
And thank you.
February 11th, 2011 - 20:15
One of the finest skippers that I’ve every had the pleasure of serving under. I was unaware that he had moved on. I look forwarfd to seeing him again in the eternal life.
March 16th, 2011 - 15:35
God Bless, I know I am late. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I dont know if you remember me, but Ollie B. McCormick Lcdr USN Ret was my father and always spoke highly of one of his closest friends, “Nellie”.
With love and a deep sense of loss, if I can do anything for you and your family,
Henry McCormick
April 14th, 2011 - 21:36
Hey papa. I miss you.
July 15th, 2011 - 15:25
James R. Nelson was my uncle. Didn’t get to see much of him. Have a open line to his widow, Donna, in Florida. Remember, everyone who served had people back home.
You can show your love of country and hopefully your God who made your heart stir for the Freedom that made it possible, by loving on a vet’s family. Fear and loneliness are horrible enemies. There are in the arsenal of the real enemy that wants to devour us all.
If you can’t physically get to them, write a letter and pour out your love and appreciation for the sacrifice. You can rescue someone today!!
November 17th, 2011 - 02:38
Henry,
My name is Rad Eric Nelson, son of Cmdr Nelson. I would like for you to contact me so we could talk about our fathers memories. contact me at nelson2813@aol.com