James Matthew Nelson, 55, of Ottumwa died July 8, 2026 at his home.
He was born February 11, 1971 in Kansas City, MO to Harold E. and Judith A. Elam Nelson. Jim married Elizabeth Jane Burgett September 6, 1997.
A 1989 graduate of Pattensburg High School, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Northwest Missouri State University in 1994. He moved to Ottumwa in 2001 and was currently working at Clow Valve in Oskaloosa.
He liked spending time outdoors as well as hunting, and fishing with his brothers. He enjoyed watching sports, golfing and a good bowl of ice cream before bed. Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Betsy; their children, Madelyn (Zach) Hugen of Albia, Hunter Nelson (Addison Grade) of Ottumwa and Katie Nelson (Luke Stevens) of Marshall, MN; two grandchildren, Tryce Matthew Hugen, Tatum Elizabeth Ann Hugen and one on the way; his brothers, Gene Nelson of Kansas City, MO, Victor (Julie) Nelson and Bill (Vera) Nelson both of Gallatin, MO; many nieces and nephews; his aunts, Sharlyne Narr of Kansas City, MO and Linda (Mike) Fatkin of Wichita, KS; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Alice Burgett of Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His body has been cremated. Visitation with his family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday July 17th at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday July 18th at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Marty Schmidt officiating.
Memorials may be made to the family to benefit his grandchildren.
