James C. Nelms, Jr., 75, of Portsmouth, VA, died on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in his home. He prewrote his obituary:

I was born on August 4, 1947 in Newport News, VA, to the late James C. Nelms, Sr. and Lillian E. Nelms. I attended Riverside Elementary School, Homer L. Ferguson High School, and graduated as an electrician from Newport News Apprentice School in 1971. In 1967, I married Frances Macomber, and together we had no children. We divorced in 1972.

I worked as an electrical ship designer at Newport News Shipbuilding; Electrical Design Supervisor at CDI Marine; Director of Training at J. J. Henry Company; Engineering Designer at Newport News Shipbuilding; President of JCN Enterprises; Principal at Marine Design Services, Inc.; and I dedicated myself to mentoring others and improving processes and procedures in designing, construction, repair, and surveying from small craft to aircraft carriers. I served as a member of the US Surveyors Association until my retirement as a yacht surveyor in 2005.

I received numerous awards, including a patent for passing optic fiber cables through a pressure proof boundary (submarines), and a trade secret for passing optic fiber cable through the pressure hull (submarine) without hot work. I created and published the design training program manual and training materials at J. J. Henry Co.  I was a unique soul, very competitive, and enjoyed my friends, racing motorcycles, boats, my Corvette, and participated in demolition derbies.  My dearest moments are with my Shih-Tzus, Mercedes and Molly.

I am survived by my sister Kay and her husband; my niece Margaret; and a special person who will always be in my heart, Tammy Hare, who provided love, compassion, and caring in my times of need. A special thanks to Delores Hare for her kindness.

Give someone a chance to live: participate in the organ donor program. Don't be discouraged in life if you have a few bumps along the way. Find a mentor, set your goals, keep focused on your prize, treat people fairly, and you will succeed.

Come join us from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Public House in Olde Towne, 467 Court Street, Portsmouth, to celebrate the life of our dear friend Jay Nelms. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.