Taken from the Houston Chronicle
We, the children of FATHER JAMES A. NELSON, share that on May 23, 2004, he joined hands with our beloved brother and mother, who have gone before him, at the gates of Heaven. He was predeceased by his son Ricardo Ramos of Yellow Springs, Ohio and the mother of his children, Tlazalteotlzin Nelson of Austin. He is survived by his loving children: Lisa Nelson of Anchorage, Alaska, Daniel Nelson, Eva Conchita, Rolan and Raul Ramos, all of Austin, Rafael Ramos, all of Austin, Rafael Ramos of League City, and David Beauchemin of Houston. He leaves seven grandchildren: Chance and Devin Ramos of Austin, Rand and Raquel Ramos of Katy, Ricardo and Julia Escobar and Fallon Ramos of Austin. He also leaves loving daughters-in-law Michele Hogan of Austin, and Tara Kolar of League City, and son-in-law Sergio Escobar of Austin. Father Nelson was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Nelson Phelan Milam and Sister Mary Davidica Nelson of Beaumont, and Jane Cullen Nelson White of Orange. He is survived by his brother David Rogers Nelson, Jr., and sister-in-law Carroll Hunter Nelson,and brother-in-law Edward White of Beaumont.
Father Nelson, son of David Rogers Nelson and Theresa Cullen Nelson, was born May 16, 1914, in San Antonio and was raised in Orange. He attended Texas A&M University and on the eve of receiving a degree in Chemical Engineering, Father Nelson enrolled in the seminary at St. Mary's University in La Porte, where he earned a master's in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Theology. At the completion of his university studies, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on May 23, 1943. For the next 23 years, Father Nelson touched many lives as a compassionate and loving priest in Houston where he served at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and as a pastor at St. Augustine Catholic Church. At the seminary at St. Mary's University, Father Nelson was a professor of English, Logic, Philosophy, Chemistry, Physics, Ancient languages, and Public Speaking. He also served as Chaplain for the United States Air Force in Europe during the Korean War. After leaving active priesthood in 1966, Father Nelson was a counselor and motivational therapist. He remained a minister of faith and deep conviction. Father Nelson was blessed with the gift of helping, loving and comforting others. He will be missed, yet we are confident his place in Heaven is filled with peace.