James A. Nelson

After a hard fight, our community lost a good man, and friend. James A. Nelson, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 69 years old.  Jim is survived by his wife, A’Lona Nelson; stepchildren, Jennifer (John) Hutchins, Patricia Hamilton and Raeann Johnson; grandchildren, Kolton, Aria, Albury and Kadynce. Jim is predeceased by his parents, H. George and Genevieve Nelson and his sisters Shirley, Joanne and Elaine. Jim had a long career as an actor and studied mime under Marcel Marceau. His career spanned over 35 years regionally and nationally in both plays and movies. As a professor at Thomas More College, Jim impacted the lives of hundreds of students. He was a juggler, a teacher, a talented scenic designer, a writer, an animal lover, a bourbon lover, and an all-around pillar of our community. Upon retirement, Jim and A’Lona became denizens of the Mainstrasse area in Covington. Jim's easygoing nature and willingness to always share a good story touched many lives in and around the Covington community. And he will be sorely missed perched atop his usual seat during happy hour at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar.

“Someone Prayed”

The Lord reached down

Lifted the burden

That held me down

The sun turned bright

My smile returned

Because someone Prayed.

By Gen Nelson

Jim’s final wish was to be laid to rest with his family in Escanaba Michigan. His burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba on Thursday, June 8^th at 1:30 PM. A graveside service will be held on July 14^th, at 10 AM. An informal celebration of life with be held at the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington Kentucky on June 25^th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.