James Milton Nelson

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that James M. Nelson has passed away on May 3, 2023. James was born in 1957 to Mrs. Jeanne Allenbach Nelson. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Christ D. Allenbach, his grandmother Irene Frank Allenbach, his mother Jeanne Allenbach Nelson, his aunts, Joyce Allenbach Newlin and Joanne Allenbach Nelson and his cousins Christopher Defenbaugh and Timothy Newlin. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn J. Giebelhausen, his daughter, Sara R. Nelson Martin, his son Christopher D. Nelson and 4 grandchildren, Audrey, Austin, Morgan and Madilynn.

James is a proud graduate of Peoria High School….where he just happened to meet his high school girlfriend and the love of his life.

He is also a graduate of The University of Arizona BA and The University of Arizona Law School. He has been the Co-chair of the Greenburg Traurig’s Labor and Employment Practice’s ERISA and Employee Benefits Litigation Group. His time at Greenburg Traurig marked the most professional and enjoyable time of his practice. He has also served the following firms: Shimmel, Hill, Bishop and Gruender, Diepenbrock, Wulff, Plant and Hannigan Law Firm, Downey Brand and Seyfarth Shaw.

His professional life was marked by amazing professionals who mentored him in the practice of law. He returned the favor by mentoring an amazing group of professionals. He greatly respects everyone of you.

James was also a Fellow at the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel and a Board Member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He was a board member of the ALS Association of the Greater Sacramento Chapter, a Board member of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, Board of Governors. He was also an adjunct professor at the John Marshall Law School. He was a Phi Delta Theta and an Iron Phi.

His greatest love was that of family. James loved being an offshore sailor. His adventures included multiple sailing trips up and down the coasts of California and Mexico, around the Caribbean Islands, the Baha Haha to Cabo San Lucas, sailing to Puerto Vallarta, his great double handed adventure participating in the Pacific Puddle Jump sailing 3400 miles from Puerto Vallarta to Nuka Hiva French Polynesia, Tahiti and finally the Society Islands (Bora Bora). Unfortunately, his sailing adventures ended here. But his love of sailing never did. Fair winds.

A private celebration of life May 12th in Peoria,IL. Future celebrations of life in Sacramento, CA and Tucson, AZ. Times and dates TBD

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Zachary Newlin’s Trust fund through Busey Bank in Peoria, the livelikelou.org, ALS Association, or Wounded Warriors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tucson-cremation for the Nelson family.