Jesse D. “J.D.” Nelson, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, in a local health care facility.

He was the son of the late Sarah Frazier Nelson and Sam Nelson. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Helen Nall and Bessie Mantooth; brother, Bill Nelson; and his niece, Wilma Mantooth.

He was a 1936 graduate of Bradley Central High School, where he played football.

He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II. He served as janitor for many years at Cleveland High School and the Conn Center at Lee University. After his retirement he worked as a cashier at Walgreen’s. He enjoyed talking politics and football. He was of the Protestant faith.

Survivors include many nieces, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

The Remembrance of Life service will be held at noon Wednesday Jan. 19, 2011, from the Wildwood Chapel of Jim Rush Funeral Homes with the Rev. Frank Nolen and the Rev. Roger Ammons officiating.

Interment will follow in the veterans section of the Fort Hill Cemetery with David Hewitt, Darrell Hewitt, Wade Freeman, Scottie Freeman and Stacey Freeman serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Swafford, Jute Miller and Dale Swafford.

There will be military honors.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 this evening at the funeral home.

The memorial book may be viewed and signed at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.