James Leonard Nelson Jr., affectionately known as Nelson and Coach Nelson, was born on August 10, 1943, in Brandon, Mississippi to the late James L. Nelson, Sr. and Milrey Lewis Nelson. God called him home on July 18, 2018. Nelson accepted Christ at an early age and was re-baptized at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Douglas P. Jones.  At the time of his death, Nelson served as a deacon, new members co-chair, and member of both the men's choir and Inspirational Voices. Nelson graduated from Pontiac Central High School where he earned varsity letters in cross country and track.  Nelson attended Eastern Michigan University earning a Bachelor's degree in Business. While attending Eastern, he continued his running career on the cross country and track teams. He was captain of the cross country team for two years .Nelson returned to Pontiac and worked at the Pontiac police department for two years before he began his teaching career at Eastern Jr. High School until his transfer to Pontiac Northern High School. His love for teaching led to a forty-one (41) year career with the Pontiac School District until his retirement.  Nelson's coaching career expanded over forty-two (42) years. During this time his coaching record included Pontiac Northern cross country team coach (1974-2011).  Pontiac Northern's head track coach (1986-2009), and Pontiac High School's head track coach' (2010-2018 ) Nelson also served on the Michigan High School Athletic Association Track and Field Committee. Nelson's honors as a coach included MITCA Coach of the Year nominee (1990.1991 1994.,1995., 1996., 1997). MITCA "Dream Team Coach of the Year" (1997), and Oakland County Coach of the Year (1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000). In addition, Nelson is the only coach to win over seven (7) consecutive Oakland County Track championships along with numerous State Individual and Relay Championships, All-State Athletes and Relays. numerous All-City Athletes and Relays. and All-League Championships. Athletes and Relays On September 18, 2016, Coach Nelson was inducted into Michigan High School Track and Field Hall of Fame.

James Nelson is survived by his loving and devoted wife of twenty-six years Tamara D. Fletcher Nelson' children Derrick R. Nelson, Monica R. Nelson, James 0, Nelson. Felisha (Eric) McCray, Alicia Nelson, Nicole J. Davis, Jasmaine Y. Nelson, and Alexis D. Nelson; one sister Barbara Jean, eighteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; mother-in-law Brenda Price; three sisters-in-law Sedalia Austin, Kimberley Shaw, and Monique Price; one brother-in-law Herbert 0. Fletcher III (Shawanna): five goddaughters and one godson: and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, fraternity brothers, colleagues, and the church family he loved dearly.  Nelson was preceded in death by his parents James L. Nelson, Sr. and Milrey Lewis Nelson and his brothers,  Eddie T. Lee Nelson and Willie (Rill) Nelson.

James Leonard Nelson, Jr. will lie in repose on Monday, July 30, 2018 at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, Michigan from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.and from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church 143 Oneida St., Pontiac, Michigan.  Mr. Nelson's Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church.  The family will meet with friends at 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.  Mr. Nelson will be laid to rest at Perry Mt Park Cemetery of Pontiac, Michigan.