Nelson, James Gordon

James Gordon Nelson, 84, of Monticello, passed away at his home on Nov. 10, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 1 p.m. until before the service.

James Nelson is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alaine; daughters, Janet Nelson and Kay (Kevin) Nebergall; sister, Marilyn (James) Felker; brother, William (Jean) Nelson; grandchildren, Jason and Kristen Nebergall; and eigh nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and a niece.

James was born Jan. 31, 1926, in Merna, Neb., son of James W. and Abigail (Kennedy) Nelson. He graduated from Monticello High School class of 1943 and attended the University of Iowa and the American Academy of Watchmaking, Denver, Colo. He served 42 months in the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps during World War II. He married Alaine Havlichek on May 21, 1947.

James spent 18 years associated with Daniel's Jewelry and Ardan stores in Mason City and Des Moines before returning to Monticello to purchase Nelson's Jewelry from his father. He owned and operated the store from 1965 until his retirement in 1994. James was a board member of the Iowa Jewelry and Watchmaking Association, and member of the Monticello Rotary Club, Retail Jewelers Organization and the Greater Monticello Association. In 2000, he was honored with a lifetime membership award from the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce.

James enjoyed dancing, golfing, and gardening, and was an avid fan of Hawkeye football and basketball. His greatest pleasure was the time he spent with his loving family.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and remembered for his integrity, his sense of humor, and his willingness to help others.

Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left at