A Braintree family has paid tribute to a D-Day veteran and long-standing member of the community, who has died aged 100.
James William Nelson passed away peacefully at home on May 6, after a life defined by service, humility and dedication to his family.
Born in Plaistow, he later lived in Barking and Romford before settling in Braintree, where he spent the past 30 years and became a familiar and respected figure.
His daughter, Vanessa Gollop, 74, described him as “a kind, considerate, and very modest man” whose life centred around his family.
“As a father, the most important thing was his family,” she said. “He had infinite patience and devoted his time to his children, grandchildren and generations beyond.”
Mr Nelson was a father of three, grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 14 and great-great-grandfather of three.
He was known for his close relationships with his family, often taking his grandchildren swimming, on long walks and hosting regular overnight stays.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Mrs Gollop recalled her father’s strong sense of trust and guidance.
“As a teenager, I let him down badly,” she said. “After three days of silence, we spoke at length and I realised I’d lost his trust. I promised him I would never do it again, and I never did.”
She also credited him with helping her pass her driving test.
She added: “Every night after work, he made me drive for an hour in all weathers. I would never have passed so quickly without him.”
Mr Nelson remained active throughout his life, playing squash into his late 60s and enjoying cricket, football, golf and snooker.
He was also a keen walker and gardener, growing organic fruit and vegetables for his family.
Despite rarely speaking about his wartime experiences, it later emerged that he had served as an 18-year-old aboard HMS Tyne during the D-Day landings, helping to support troops and rescue survivors.
He was later awarded the Legion d’Honneur by the French government in recognition of his service.
“Typical of Dad, he refused a formal presentation and chose to receive the medal quietly in the post,” Mrs Gollop said.
Following D-Day, he served aboard HMS Vengeance and was present in Hiroshima in 1946.
Mrs Gollop said her father spoke little of the experience, but remembered his compassion when personal belongings were stolen from his locker.
“When I asked if he felt angry, he said he didn’t,” she said. “He understood that others had nothing and felt they needed something of their own.”
Mr Nelson was also a dedicated member of the Royal British Legion, where he spent more than a decade fundraising for the Poppy Appeal in Great Notley.
He later became president of his local branch and was well known in the community.
“He was well loved by his friends, neighbours and everyone who knew him,” Mrs Gollop said.
In later life, he cared for his wife of 75 years until her death at the age of 98.
He remained independent until the age of 100, when a fall affected his mobility.
With the support of carers and Farleigh Nurses, he was able to remain at home until his death.
Paying tribute, Mrs Gollop said: “He lived for his family. He will be remembered for his devotion and dedication to us all.”
Mr Nelson leaves behind a large and loving family, who say he will be deeply missed, particularly by his grandchildren.
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