James A. Nelsen

James (Jim) Allan Nelsen, 89 of Cincinnati, Ohio died March 4, 2026. Born to John and Mary Nelsen, October 5, 1936, Jim grew up on his parents’ farm in Homer, NE.

After graduating from Homer High School, he moved to Cincinnati and attended the University of Cincinnati majoring in Business Administration.

A walk-on player, Jim was a proud Bearcat lettering in varsity football 3 years, and proud member of UC Football Lettermen and the C Club.

He loved attending every home game and staying until the end, because “the game is not over until it’s over”!

After graduation, he worked at Central Trust Bank, eventually starting his own business, The Lawnkeeper.

Jim’s priority was visiting family and friends. He was always up for a family gathering at Evelyn and his 21-acre farm giving the grandkids and their friends tractor rides in the field and annual bonfires.

Remembered for his gentle, kind nature, Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Evelyn Nelsen, and is survived by his children Jamie (Bill) Palmer, John (Grace) Nelsen, Becky (Keith) Brinkley, Kristen (Steve) Heller, and stepdaughter Carolyn (Jim) Harmann. Grandfather to David Nelsen, Greg (Lisa) Nelsen, Tyler Palmer, Eric Palmer, Catrina Harmann, Alyssa Harmann, and Alex (Rebecca) Graese-Harmann. Great grandfather to Andrew, Michael, William, and Anna Nelsen and Luke, Nathan, and Holly Nelsen.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 9:30 AM until Funeral Service at 10:30 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 8265 Winton Rd., Cincinnati, 45231.

Burial following at 11:30 AM at Arlington Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2145 Compton Rd., Mt. Healthy, 45231.

Memorial donations may be made to the C Club Office / Football Program, Attn: Becky Schaff, 2751 O’Varsity Way #470, Cincinnati, OH 45221 or a charity of your choice.

Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com