Retired judge 'Chuck' Nelson dies at 84

Retired Jackson County judge Charles Alfred (“Chuck”) Nelson died August 19 after a short illness.

A native of Blue Island, Ill., Nelson graduated from Carleton College in 1953, and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1956.  He then entered the Army for two years, where he was stationed primarily at White Sands Missile base.

After his honorable discharge he worked for Rosenberg and Painter. He was a litigator for more than 30 years, practicing much of that time with his colleagues and friends Larry Bullen, Terry Klaasen, and Phil Moilanen.

Appointed to the bench in 1992 as a Circuit Court Judge in Jackson County, he served for 14 years. He was instrumental in creating and serving as the first judge for the Jackson County Recovery Court..

After his retirement, Nelson returned to the part-time practice of law with the Marcoux Allen firm and served as a Judge or special master in a number of cases.  His last official act as an officer of the court was to officiate at his granddaughter Kelsey's wedding.

He was a member of a number of corporate boards as a private practitioner and was a supporter of, and served on the boards of, various charitable organizations both before and after he took the bench, including the Rotary Club, disAbility Connections, the Jackson Symphony, Cascade Humane Society, and Jackson College Foundation.

A keen tennis player and golfer, he loved to sing and was a member of the choir at South Jackson Community Church and the Jackson Chorale. A sports fan, he supported the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and the U-M Wolverines.

Preceded in death by Patricia, his wife of 59 years, he is survived by sons Kevin (Cindy) of Charleston, W.V.; and Jeff (Deborah) of Lexington, S.C.; sister Beverley Lane of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren Kelsey Nelson (Michael McCormick), Ethan Nelson, Lauren (Kyle) Carnes, Lee Stoudemire; and special friend Sarah Pesetsky.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Sept. 10, at the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center Jackson College main campus .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  the Charles Nelson Scholarship at Jackson College.

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