Jerrod Richard Nelson

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerrod Richard Nelson, 39, of Carbondale, on September 19, 2026. Jerrod was born February 11, 1987, to Michael and Tammy Nelson.

The first time we heard Jerrod’s belly laugh was while watching the Three Stooges on TV. That Christmas, Jerrod found a black magic marker, and we found Zorro Z’s were all over the wrapped presents under the tree. Through the years, many holidays and family get-togethers were spent playing games and cards. Jerrod and his dad shared a love of collecting and sorting baseball cards, which kept them busy for hours.

Both the military and the St. Louis Barge Company wanted Jerrod until a hearing exam changed those plans. He continued landscaping until arthritis settled into his ankle.

Always the optimist, as a young man Jerrod decided to start an auto shop in the big detached garage. Instead, it became his “man cave,” where he loaned his tools and taught people how to repair their own cars and trucks. Jerrod also sold used tires, and in this tough economy, he had many customers who appreciated his help.

Jerrod loved his loud music—so much so that he started another side business installing speakers. One day, a freak accident caused wires to catch fire, and a car became engulfed in flames. What a sight that was against the black night sky. Jerrod explained what had happened to his dad and the fire chief, and they agreed it was a one-in-a-million freak accident.

Jerrod asked us if he could borrow the Blue Book value of the car to pay the young man who owned it. We were so proud of him for his strong sense of fairness and for taking accountability.

Jerrod was a big man with a big heart. He was always willing to let friends who were down on their luck stay in the man cave. On the coldest winter nights, he welcomed people onto our couches and floors. He had compassion for people who needed a helping hand. My prayer is that more people in the USA will show compassion to their homeless friends, as my son Jerrod did, and consider approaches such as “Housing First,” like those used in Finland.

There will not be one day that I will not be thankful to God for allowing me to be Jerrod’s mom and step (bonus) mom to Kelly and Ashley. I am also thankful that God and Jesus have given my sweet son a soft place like Heaven to land.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food pantry.

Romans 8:28:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

The ministry of comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.