Jimmie "The Governor" D. Nelson, age 86, of Grand Island, passed away December 31, 2021 at his home.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10:30am with visitation 2 hours prior at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfhVBVRegU_3S7w9nUxfu6Q.Burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Jimmie was born on August 11, 1935 in Fullerton, NE to Walter and Ollie (Marshall) Nelson.He grew up in Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton High School with the class of 1954.He enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.On July 5, 1958, he was united in marriage to Emily Puente.

Jimmie was employed with Urly Talbert Wholesale Food for 22 years and with Country General for over 10 years.He enjoyed his job because he was able to meet and build relationships with many people over the years.He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was Knight of the month numerous times and even knight of the year.He enjoyed volunteering and helping people and never asked for anything in return.He loved being around people and was known as the "popcorn man" at bingo and could strike up a conversation with anyone, so he never knew a stranger.He was an avid Husker football fan and attended many games and enjoyed dancing with Emily.He was known to all his friends as "The Governor".

Survived by son, Darrell (Julie) Nelson of Grand Island; daughter, Tracey (Christopher) Roberts of Davidson, NC; grandchildren, Jackson Roberts, Lauren Roberts and Claire Nelson; sisters in-law, Connie Puente, Carmen Luna, Virginia (Rich) Soto, Terri (Richard) Brown, Ramona Puente and Polly Puente and brothers in-law, Manuel (Josie) Puente and Andy (Nancy) Puente.

Preceded in death by parents; wife; brothers, Leland Nelson and Richard Nelson and sisters, Phyllis Peterson and Karen Baker; brothers in-law, John Puente, Tom Puente, Phillip (Doris) Puente and Bob Luna and sister in-law, Mary Puente.Condolences can be left at www.livson.com