James Kenneth "Mr. Jabbo" Nelson

James Kenneth Nelson, aka, “Mr. Jabbo,” was born July 10, 1940 in Camden, Arkansas to the parents of James Artie and Annie Mae Nelson. He was the sixth child in a family of eight. Brothers: Elzia, and Lorenzo and sisters: Bettie, Patricia, and Artie Mae; an infant son, James, and his parents preceded him in death. His brother, Sammie lives in Buffalo, NY and sister, Vanilla Nelson Hannah, lives in Arkadelphia, AR. His early education was in the Camden Public School System. After exploring the U.S. for many years, he came back home to start life over again along with a wife Ann, and a baby daughter, Vanilla Ann. He was baptized by Dr. George Smith and joined the fellowship of The Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. He was proud to be a member and enjoyed cooking for occasions for the Church. He will be remembered by his acquaintances for his entrepreneurial ventures in the world of livestock farming, cooking and serving food along with his “gift of gab”. He was the owner and operator of “The Hole In The Wall” in Camden. In later life, his biggest joy was his summer visits from his grandchildren and his trips to Houston, Texas to visit his daughter and six grandchildren: Lenora, Cressie, Nicole, Natalie, James and Andre. James was a member of The Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in Camden, AR. He was very proud of his Pastor and Church Members. They continued to visit with him during his stay at Ouachita Convalescent Center. He was also very fond of the staff there, especially the CNA’S and aides! It was there where he ended his journey on Saturday morning, March 28, 2009. Visits from his brother Sammie, his sister Vanilla and nephews; Joey, Curtis, Bobby; nieces, Grenellya NikkiLove, Roxie Janella, Kendall Vanilla, Kimberley J. Lanilla and Annie Thereater were the highlights of his summers, weekends, and holidays. He also cherished the times spent with relatives in Buffalo, NY, nieces and nephews; Dorothy, Roxanne, Karen, Darlene, Carla, Demetris, Jeffrey, Ruth Ann, Roslyn, Sandra, Anthony, Deborah, Jeffrey, Linda, Sammie, Janet, and Calvin. Graveside tributes will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2009, at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas. Dr. George E. Smith the pastor of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church will officiate. Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., the pastor of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia will offer words of comfort.