James Ray Nelson

James Ray Nelson, 69, Bremen, died Monday, May 1, 2023 at Bryan West Medical in Lincoln, NE. Visitation was Monday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary. The family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. A funeral service followed at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. James was born on March 6, 1954 in Pawnee City, NE to William and Esther (Whelan) Nelson. In 1972, he graduated from Marysville High School. He was united in marriage to Sylvia (Pralle) Leis on July 25, 1989. James worked for Bruna Implement and Baker Motors before becoming a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1977. He retired from the railroad in 2014. Some of the things Jim enjoyed were country living, being retired and his pets. He also watched the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Royals, Kansas State and KU football and basketball. James loved visiting with friends, neighbors and other retired co-workers. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, William, Norman, Jerome and Jerold Nelson. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; son, William Nelson; daughter, Lisa (David) Welday; four stepsons, Jarrod (Becky) Leis, Lance (Dana Grothe) Leis, Nick (Laura) Leis and James (Crystal) Leis; nine grandchildren; sister, Kathleen (David) Ayres; and four sisters-in-law, Diane, Darlene, Mary Anne and Ruth Nelson. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville, KS. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Ray Nelson, please visit our flower store.