Obituary of Thomas James Nelson

Thomas James Nelson, 90 years of age, of Winter Haven, FL passed on March 13, 2022 at Winter Haven Hospital in Florida. Tom was born October 14, 1931 in Trucksville, PA to the late Stanley and Blanche Nelson (nee Smith). He was the youngest of four children, who preceded him in death. Tom was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Haines City. Tom grew up in Trucksville, PA until his mother and father passed when he was sixteen and then moved to Kearny, NJ where he graduated from Kearny High School in 1949. Shortly thereafter, Tom fell in love with his life-long love, Grace Jahnke, after asking her to double skate with him. Tom enlisted in the Army until an illness caused him to separate from the service. Tom and Grace married in 1954 and were blessed with three children. Tom worked as a tool maker in the tool industry. He took great pleasure in fishing, especially on Otis Reservoir in East Otis, MA and Lake Henry in Florida. Tom was a devoted husband, loved and cherished spending time with his family, and a very generous friend. As a result of Tom’s wonderful spirit, warm heart, and caring nature, he was loved by so many. His wise words and influence will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. His life will forever be cherished in the lives of many, including his children, Donna Anderson and her husband Robert of Myrtle Beach, SC., Lois Santeramo and her husband Joseph of Chapin, SC., and James Nelson of Windsor Locks, CT; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.