Jesse Verlin Nelson
January 4, 1942 ~ August 10, 2016
Resided in:
Hendersonville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Jesse Verlin Nelson, 74, of Hendersonville, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at his residence.
A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late Jesse Oscar and Bonnie Roberta Farmer Nelson. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Robert Nelson, Kermit Nelson and Ralph Nelson.
Jesse proudly served his country in the US Army and worked at Van Wingerden International, where he retired as transportation manager. He was a talented musician, but especially loved bluegrass. He also enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and flying planes.
Jesse is survived by one daughter, Shannon Shealy; three sons, Bryan Nelson (Elizabeth), Tim Nelson (Denise) and Jay Peterson (Rhonda); eight grandchildren, Daven, Stella, Emerson, Mercedes, Holly, Danielle, Martin and Holli; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Patty Case and one brother, Bill Nelson.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Four Seasons Hospice nurses, as well as Jesse's nieces, Laura, Kellie and Niecie for all of their loving and compassionate care of Jesse.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 14, 2016 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Interment will follow at Roberts Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Jesse's name to Four Seasons Compassion For Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Gary and I send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family. We had the honor to play music with him and Clyde Pitillo on many occasions up and until his friend Clyde passed away. I know how much Jesse loved his friend Clyde and it was always a blast when the two of them were at Helms Barber Shop on the Busy Bend of Kanuga. May God surround you all with His love and peace.
Nelson Family, I’m so sorry to hear that Jess passed away. I worked with him for 16 years at Van Wingerden International and feel blessed to have known him and thankful for all that I was able to learn from him in the areas of transportation and shipping. He loved his family and loved playing his banjo. Even after retiring, he would come back to Van Wingerden’s annual open house at poinsettia time to play his banjo. Despite his health issues in recent years, Jess loved life and enjoyed the outdoors. At my last visit with him in his home, I asked if I could pray for him and he responded with a one-liner of… ‘Yes, you can. You need the practice and I need the prayers!’ (classic Jess Nelson.) He will be missed and prayers for the family. God bless you all.
Rest in peace Uncle Jessie. You and Daddy (Kermit Nelson) and your nephew (Buddy Smalley) can jam in heaven. Thank you for being there for me when I came back to Florida.
Nelson Family,
We are sad to hear the news of the passing of Jesse. It is in times like these we can appreciate the grace of our Lord. Jesse made it home and we will soon join him. May the comforter rest upon you all.
Blessed,
Pastor Chris Rumfelt
FFWBC Hayesville, NC
So sorry Tim and Denise and all your family for your loss, praying that God embrace you all with his love and comfort in the days ahead, he never forsakes us, God is good. Love you guys..Darrell and Lisa Mason
Nelson Family, my husband and I worked for Jess at Van Wingerden since 1998 till his retirement. He was a good man and gave me away at our wedding. I have pictures and will never forget all of the many quotes that he would spew. Him and Howie Long would pick banjo and guitar in the office from time to time. I went to see him a few times after his return back home after his illness. I should have went more. We will miss him and pray for the family. God Bless!
Nelson family, Jess was a regular at our music store in Asheville in the 70’s. He became a very good friend and flying partner during those years as he and I had some very good times together. Just this past week I was thinking of flying with him. I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings to all of you!
I am so sorry about your dad Tim and Denise. Greg new several of the folks at Van Wingerden there in Mills River, I wonder of he might have known your dad. I know you all will miss him. I heard the video, and he playes a beautiful, very graceful tune on the piano. Love you guys
Jess was one of the kindest neighbors anyone could ask for. Always friendly, cheerful, and a joy to be around. Evenings when he played his banjo we could hear the music on the breeze and it was so enjoyable. We knew Jess from our childhood when we frequented his country store for after-school snacks. Imagine our delight when many years later we found out he was our neighbor where we were building our house.
When our son was an infant Jess said that when you look at a little baby you have to know that only God could create life. When our son was about 4 and Jess was in the hospital our son drew Jess a picture of him playing the banjo on the porch. Our son prayed that God would touch Jess and let him play the banjo again. One day when we heard the music again we knew that God had answered his prayer.
Jess was loved and he is already greatly missed by all of us. It was an honor to know him. We are praying for the family.
So sorry to hear of you loss. Jesse was a great guy. He was always good to us at W & A Express and Steve’s road service. We will miss him dearly. May God be with you in this difficult time.
I was so shocked to see that Jesse had passed away. I didn’t know Jesse in his adult life but went to grammar and high school with him. As a young man he always had a big smile on his face and very sweet. Also, road the school bus with Kermit and Jesse and they with all the other boys gave Frank Ducker, driver a hard time with all the teasing. Never really heard Jesse play but knew he was talented with his music. Very sorry for your loss.
Extending deepest sympathy to the family of Jesse. He was a true joy to know. A great musician and a friend to all. I remember all the music he and Kermit played in the auditorium at Valley Springs School while we waited for the buses.. He will be missed by many
i loved Jesse, at school, smoked at recess, came into class, cigarette butt he was saving in the cuff of his jeans caught on fire. it was funny. when i was in nursing school we were great friends. the home he grew up in was very comfortable.. who was the mother of his children? had she been a nursing student? my memory can get fuzzy, but I knew alot about him. He was very handsome, intelligent, kind, loving, talented. we kept up online, i knew he had friend from colorado bette honeycutt. one of his sons was a chef in scottland i have been in SF for 50 years. would love to hear from any of his relatives. 650.438.1942 Jesse rest in peace.