James "Steve" Steven Nelson, 69, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:45 am until 12:45 pm at the Roy Orbison Clubhouse at 4201 Sand Rd, Vernon, Texas.

Steve was born on March 22, 1956, to James Franklin Nelson and Wilma Grace (Wilhelm) Nelson. Steve graduated from Vernon High School in 1974. He married Jerri Boaldin, and they were married for 26 years. Steve married his second wife, Jackie (Guajardo) Nelson on November 27, 2004, and together they built a beautiful life.

Steve worked at the West Texas Power Plant for 19 years. He later would go on and become a peace officer for Childress, Texas, from 2000- 2004. Steve enjoyed hunting and collecting many- many guns. He absolutely loved his grandkids and would talk about them often. He also really adored his "fur babies". He was known to pick on people; that is how he expressed his love.

Steve will be missed for his ability to tell stories— stories unlike any you have heard! He could tell you a story, just about anything. Some of Steve's most fond memories come from working with his dad on their family farm.

Those left to cherish his memory are

Wife: Jackie Nelson

Sons: Jason Nelson (Kristina); Jeffrey Hinson (Kaylie)

Daughters: Tandi Humphrey (David); Annabelle Lawrence (Dustin)

Grand Children: Jocelyn Neighbors, Talon Anglin, Rileigh Cothran, John Paul Hinson, Luke Hinson, Kyler Lawrence, Carolann Humphrey, Michael Humphrey, Kimberly Ward

Great Grand Children: Rayland Tate, Olivia Bryant, James Busch, Kinzlee Robison, Kreek Robison, Krew Robison- along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Those who are preceded in death are

Sister: Donna Denise Wilkinson

Nephew: Joseph Wilkinson

Mother: Wilma (Wilhelm) Nelson

Father: James Nelson