Kevin James Nelson

Kevin James Nelson came into this world months too early, weighing less than 3lbs on Christmas Day, 1952 in Slater Iowa; a fighter from the start. Growing up a middle child with big brother Loren and little sister Lori, Kevin could be heard from his room beating on his drum set for all town to hear. Living next door to Nelson Park was all that separated him from his high school sweetheart JoEllen Donahue.

Kevin and Jo graduated from Ballard High School in 1971 and would later be married in August of 1972. Not long after the newlyweds welcomed first child Ben. Kevin worked at Firestone in Des Moines, the same workplace as his father Lester A. Nelson, while attending Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology and later pursued a Master’s. In the meantime, he and JoEllen welcomed their second child Sara with the third, Amy, not far behind.

For over 20 years, Kevin advocated for mental health in Iowa, first for at risk youth with Beloit in Ames. Because of him, Prairie Meadows awarded the Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Center a $25,000 grant to support Des Moines area residents in need of mental health services. When Kevin wasn’t working, he would spend warm Iowa days outside playing disc golf, even reaching a certified professional level status and more than once traveling to Austin, Texas to play in the World Tournament. He had a fierce passion for music, accumulating a vast collection from all genres. His other passions included the environment and animal rescues, especially for cats.

Ten years ago, Kevin began reading Buddhist philosophy and meditatong regularly. This would be his center until his transition on December 26. Members of the Buddhist community from all over Iowa reached out to his family in support, with some prayers coming from as far away as Nepal. Forty-nine days after one’s transition is significant to the Buddhist philosophy, so a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father Lester and mother Mildred. He survived by his wife Jo; siblings Loren (Nancy) and Lori (Ries); children Ben (Trista), Sara (Josh), and Amy (Dan); grandchildren Layne Andrew, Braden James, Rylee Tate, Lennon Valentine, and Jude Margaux; his cat Shelby; and many, many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask you to consider donations to your local nonprofit mental health agency or animal shelter in Kevin’s name.