Mr. James R. "Block" Nelson, Jr.

Mr. James Ronald Nelson, Jr. of Tampa, FL passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at No Greater Love Baptist Church, 3015 S. 75th Street, Tampa, FL 33619 with Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr., Officiating. The Interment will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, 11:00 a.m. in Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

James Ronald Nelson, Jr., was a native of Tallahassee, Florida born to James Nelson, Sr. and Dorothy C. Nelson. James was educated in the Hillsborough County School District. After graduating high school, he enlisted into the United States Army and served 5 years during the Vietnam War, where he received the Pershing Professional Medal, and an Honorable Discharge. Upon returning home, James continued on with his expertise in the diesel mechanic industry and pursued his career by opening up his own business, “Nelson Mobile Diesel Service”, where it remained in business for almost 50 years. "Block", as he was affectionately known, loved jazz music, barbecuing, playing dominoes and spending quality time with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching classic Western films. James was a very hard worker, a loving husband, loving father and grandfather.

James was preceded in death by: his parents, James Nelson, Sr. and Dorothy C. Nelson; and brother, Jeffrey M. Nelson.

James leaves to cherish his legacy and memory to: his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Frankie M. Nelson; daughters and son, Deneen, Michele, and John Shuler, Jr. (Alfie); siblings, Luedester G. Lyles, Terry L. Nelson, and Towanda Stennis (Johnny), Reggie Nelson, and Anthony Nelson (Teresa) ; grandchildren; Tramane Miller (Sam), Timra Shuler, John Shuler, III, LeAndre Barnes, Ayla Shuler, Lacy Lewis, Xiomara Santel (Miguel); and several great-grandchildren; nieces, Denisha (Ronald), Danielle, and Mercedes; nephews, Rahem, Kasem, Adrian, and Chanden; special friends, Rob Bogan, Lawrence Nkrumah, Pastor Ralph Johnson, Willie Jones, Shine Davis, Al Fordom, Reggie Williams, Daryl Zwak, James Robinson, and Joseph Pauldine; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, that loved and will dearly miss James R. Nelson, Jr., AKA "Block".

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at No Greater Love Baptist Church, 3015 S. 75th Street, Tampa, FL 33619 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes and Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. James R. "Block" Nelson, Jr., please visit our floral store.