Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona for James Wiley Nelms, 88, of Vaiden, who died on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko. Burial followed in Vaiden Cemetery with military honors. Mr. Durwood Stanton and Mr. Hunter Walters officiated. Visitation was held from noon until service time on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the funeral home.
Mr. Nelms was born on April 3, 1935, the son of the late Ben James and the late Annie Lois Carpenter Nelms. He was a retired colonel in the United State Army Reserves and a member of New Salem Baptist Church in Vaiden.
In addition to his parents, his wife, Fannie Lois Chambley Nelms, and his son, Ben Wiley Nelms, preceded Mr. Nelms in death.
Survivors include, his sister, Martha Anne Noland of Vaiden; two nieces, and four great nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to New Salem Baptist Church, 28393 Hwy. 35, Vaiden, MS 39176.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.ofhwinona.com
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.
