Nelson, James F. Jr.

James F. Nelson Jr., 61, of 313 Stoney Creek Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, May 30, 2010, in his home after a short illness. Services: 1 p.m. Friday at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Linwood Cemetery. Per his request, there will be no wake.

Survivors include his son, James F. Nelson (“Trip”) (Lori) of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and two daughters, Jennifer (Kyle) Konen of Cedar Rapids and Melanie Nelson and friend, Troy Wolf of Missoula, Mont.

He is also survived by his brother, John (Shawn) of Sandy, Utah; his sisters, JoAnne Nelson of Manor, Texas, Mary Cunningham (Kevin) of Pearland, Texas, and Cathy Carter of Seguin, Texas; four grandchildren, Brittany Nelson, and Hunter, Seth and Alyssa Konen; and six nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Marcal (Lee); his parents; grandparents; and his sister, Elizabeth Carlisle.

James was born on Sept. 27, 1948, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Fred and Jeanette Nelson. He married Karen on Dec. 19, 1969. She died June 1, 2007. He graduated from Arkansas State University in 1972 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Jim worked as an engineer for The Quaker Oats Company at various locations for 31 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of St. Jude's Catholic Church, The Moose Club and Knights of Columbus.

Jim loved golf, traveling and woodworking. He also enjoyed dancing, listening to music and helping others. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and loving family.

Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be left for the family at under obituaries.