Obituary of Justin James Nelson

Justin James Nelson was the best human and somehow listing all of his accomplishments and summarizing the all too brief 32 years of his life by highlighting things like where and when he was born (Tucson, Arizona on August 19, 1986) or how he died (respiratory failure after a yearlong battle with cancer), would seem a grave injustice and give no one a true picture of who he actually was. And who he was is exactly what made his existence in this world significant. He was a proud Marine who served his Country honorably for 5 years as a helicopter mechanic. The men he met in the Corps became his brothers and he remained friends with them for the rest of his life. He was a wonderful father who would sit down for tea parties, spend countless hours playing Super Mario Brothers on Nintendo, and wrestle with his kids until they either laughed or cried in the end. He loved his family with all his heart and fought until his last breath to remain with them. His absence leaves an empty space nothing could ever fill and only happy memories of him will ever touch. He was a brother who would drive 45 minutes to pick up a sibling in need of a ride at 1 o'clock in the morning and who would schedule trips all the way across town for wings and beer at Hooters. He was a loving son, who always had his mother's well being in the forefront of his mind; who would do anything for her, whether it be manual labor outside driving a tractor or sitting and chatting on a comfy couch. He was an amazing friend who enjoyed a harmless prank as much as the next person and was the sort of guy you wanted to get in trouble with because you knew he would have your back to get you out again, although it's entirely possible he would laugh at your expense first. He was the most loving husband. Generous beyond compare, leaving notes taped to the mirror in the bathroom with money indicating his wife could go buy something she wanted but never thought to get for herself. His most endearing quirk of all was the fact he ordered books from Amazon and as they were delivered he would add them to the shelf without so much as a word until she went hunting for just the right literary fix and stumbled upon new material by accident. He was a partner in every sense of the world, actively listening, supporting and endorsing any and every crazy dream his wife had, speaking of each one as if they would undoubtedly come to pass. He went out of his way to show up for her in every way he could, even calling the insurance company and the auto body shop from his hospital room when she was in an accident to make sure she had what she needed and was taken care of. He was the sweetest most caring man and husband a wife could ask for. On April 27th, 2019, at 5:39 in the morning, Leukemia took him from everyone who loved him and their lives will never be the same. The world is not nearly as beautiful without him but heaven is surely blessed. He had a pretty big welcoming committee including the brother and father who passed before him and will enjoy their company until such a time as the rest of the people who love him most can be with him again. For those of you who knew and loved Justin, friends and family both, the service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Foothills Community Church (3301 W Overton Rd, Tucson AZ, 85742) on Saturday May 11th at 1 o'clock.