Jack David “J.D.” Nelson, 56, of Arbovale, WV, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 1, 2025. He had been taken to Peyton Hospice House in Lewisburg after spending a week in CAMC. “J.D.” apparently suffered a mystery illness and the root cause has not been identified. He went into cardiac arrest last Tuesday night and passed away 6 days later with no diagnosis from his doctors.
He was born May 13, 1969, at Harrisonburg, VA, a son of Jack Dolan and Jeanie Madge White Nelson of Renick, WV.
J.D. graduated from Greenbrier East High School in 1987, completed college and has been employed as an Electronic Engineer at the Green Bank Observatory, where he worked for 36 years.
As a teenager, J.D. enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed playing the piano and guitar. He took lessons in horseback riding, tennis and other activities that kept him busy.
Family life was the most important time in his life. “J.D.” was preceded in death by grandparents, Cale and Edith Nelson and Leroy and Madge White.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Joyce Vance Nelson from Mingo County. They have one daughter, Jessica Nelson and husband, Quentin and their son, Jared that live in Shepherd, Montana; a son, Jack David “J.J.” Nelson, Jr. and wife Courtney, and their daughter, Kinsleigh; Jack and Joyce’s third child is Jack Michael Nelson. He is also survived by an uncle, Kevin White of Renick and other cherished cousins and friends from all around including a very special friend of 24 years, Jason Ray of Arbovale.
A visitation will be held from 2 until 3 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Arbovale Cemetery Annex.
Special thanks to Pastor Jason Crabaugh, Pastor of the Renick Church of God, who will officiate the service.
Thank you to all of you that have prayed and sent well wishes to the family.
