Graveside services for James Nelson Sr., 90, of Goldsby were held at 10 a.m.Wednesday, October29, 2025 at the Washington Cemetery. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home.
Mr. passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025.
James Daniel Nelson was born on September 6, 1935 in Goldsby, Oklahoma, in a little shack by the river. He was the eldest of ten children born to James Oliver Nelson and Ival Mardell (Hendrix) Nelson.
He spent his younger years in the Goldsby area, and later moved to Newcastle where he attended school up until his senior year. James then answered the call to service. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably served his country.
James married Mary Katheryn Duncan while serving in 1960. They settled down in the Oklahoma City area, and together, they raised their five beautiful children - J.D., Larry, Keith, Gayla and Kimberly.
James was driven and dedicated to working hard every single day. After moving back to Oklahoma City, he began working for a meatpacking company called, Wilson Packing Plant. He then started driving a truck, and was self-employed for several years before he began driving for A&A Tank and later Oklahoma Tank.
James married his second wife, Barbara Eslar Wilkins in 1984, and together raised his stepdaughter, Sharon.
He eventually retired from trucking and even in retirement, James was still working hard and doing what he loved to do the most. He was a rancher, and raising cattle was his true passion. He started raising cattle in 1966, when he moved from Oklahoma City to Goldsby, and he continued to do so throughout his entire life.
James enjoyed fishing, hunting and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners. He was hardworking, tough, onery, strong-willed, and loyal to a fault. He exemplified strength, was the definition of a true leader, and he loved unconditionally. More than anything, James was a family man. He truly enjoyed spending time with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
James Nelson, Sr. truly was a one-of-a-kind man that will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him!
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mardell Nelson; his first wife, Mary Nelson; his second wife, Barbara Nelson; brothers, Lem Nelson, Vernon Nelson Sr., Henry Nelson and Gary Nelson; and two infant sisters and an infant brother.
James is survived by his sons, J.D. Nelson Jr. and wife, Meredith, of Goldsby, Larry Nelson and wife, Susan, of Northlake, Texas, and Keith Nelson and wife, Deana, of Norman; daughters, Gayla Wills of Moore and Kimberly Phillips of Goldsby; step-daughter, Sharon Saunders of Goldsby; brother, Bobby Nelson of Purcell; sister, Linda Holsey and husband, Bobby, of Goldsby; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.