James "Leon" Wayne Nelson

James “Leon” Wayne Nelson, 83, passed away unexpectedly on the early afternoon of November 7, 2022 Even though it failed him, his loving and kind heart left an honorable legacy that impacted many. James was born in the small town of Pistol Thicket, Louisiana on July 17, 1939. He was one of four children of Lula Estelle Strebeck Nelson and William Byron Nelson. Stationed in Germany, James served in the army from 1956 - 1960 as a teletype operator, delivering secret messages. Afterwards, he would begin his ascent through the professional world, first owning a gas station and later driving a truck for the Lance Cookie Co. The latter is what he was doing when he met his future wife, Mary Louise Free (clearly not a gold digger). Later he would enter the world of insurance where he would remain for the rest of his career, landing at Kilpatrick Life Insurance where he was a regional sales manager for over 20 years. To say James was a devout Christian would be an understatement and we know he was greeted with “well done my good and faithful servant.” James devoted his life to understanding the Word of God. His mild-manner and calm demeanor made him a good listener and even better teacher. Eventually he would be officially ordained as a Baptist pastor. He would spend his later years creating a blog entitled His View Assemblies to teach and share the message of Jesus Christ. At the time of his death, he had over 40,000 subscribers. James was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Gaston Nelson and sisters Doris Marie Rabon and Joyce Laverne Cassels. James is survived by his wife of 61 years and made of pure sunshine, Mary. He was a proud (and tolerant) dad to his children, Heather and Jason; his daughter-in-law, Margaret; his grandchildren, Tyler, Keeley, Maggie, Asher, and Trouper; Maggie’s husband, Chris; his great-grandchildren, Oliver and Charlotte; his nephew Tony Cassels and Tony’s wife, Connie; and numerous others. Tony Cassels will preside over the service Pallbearers are Tyler Simpson, Keeley Simpson, Asher Nelson, Chris Roberts, Spencer Soloman and Casey Cassels. Honorary pallbearers are Trouper Nelson, Roland Cotton, and Johnnie Kelly. Visitation will be at Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe, La on November 10 from 1-2PM with service beginning at 2:00 pm . A short graveside ceremony will be held afterwards at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Monroe, Louisiana