James H. Nelson, 93, of Cooper City, passed away on January 14, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1932, in Fairhope, Alabama, to the late Harold and Teresa Nelson.

James was a devoted family man whose love and dedication spanned not only his family, his church community, his neighbors and his work. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he served for two years, carrying the values of service and hard work throughout his life. As an electrician by trade for over 61 years, James was a respected member of IBEW Local #349, where at one point he was the longest-serving member. For over four decades, he was the Head Electrician at Hialeah Race Track, and in recognition of his dedication, a horse race was named in his honor upon his retirement in 2000.

James had a humble personality, a passion for life, and an array of interests. He was an avid street and drag racer, winning many trophies with his 1951 Ford Crown Victoria at Amelia Earhart Park. His love for racing was matched only by his enthusiasm for sports, particularly NASCAR and football, both college and professional. He was a dedicated gardener whose beautiful flowers often drew the admiration of his neighbors.

Throughout his life, James was a man of faith, serving as a deacon in various South Florida Baptist churches for more than 60 years. He took joy in connecting with others, often described by all who knew him as a prayer warrior. His ministry late in life was to connect with people through phone communication and offer words of support and assurances that he was praying for them. And that he did. He would also share his love of weather, which he followed diligently on his “weather bug” app to keep track of conditions wherever his family lived.

He and Marilyn loved to take road trips. They loved the mountains. They even took trips to Virginia, Massachusetts and Upstate New York specifically to watch one grandson play baseball and one grandson play football.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marilyn, whom he met at the corner drugstore in Opa-Locka, FL. Together, they built a life filled with love and memories and cherished every minute they got to spend with friends and family.

James is survived by his children, Deborah Walker (Ron), Terri Wells (John), and John Nelson (Virginia); 7 grandchildren, Clint Wells, Eric Wells, Tamilyn Tonelli, Jennifer Miller, Bryan Walker, Megan Labarge and Courtney Cochrane; and 9 great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Kristie, Allie, Logan, Luke, Brayden, Presley, Kayden and Cameron. His legacy of love, faith, and commitment to family will be cherished by all who knew him.

A celebration of James’ life will be held at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 24th, 11:00 AM at Taft Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Vista Memorial Gardens Cemetery.