Captain Jeffrey Robert "Cannonball" Nelson

Captain Jeffrey Robert “Cannonball” Nelson May 11, 1951 – February 19, 2020 Jeff passed away at home surrounded by his family. Although he worked hard to not depart, in typical Cannonball fashion, with his eyes to the sky and “Victory at Sea” playing in the background, he took his final leave on February 19, 2020. Jeff was born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Robert (Bob) and Elsie Pedersen Nelson. In his loving family, he was one of four children, his older brother Chris, and two younger siblings, Lisa and Eric. In 1959, his family moved to Middlesex, NJ, where Jeff loved to play outdoors, ride his bike, fish, and plan and execute adventures. The latter being a lifelong habit. From the age of 15, Jeff knew he wanted to become a naval aviator. After turning 17 in May and graduating from Middlesex High School, he followed in his brother Chris’ footsteps and began his Plebe summer at the U.S. Naval Academy. Although it wasn’t his favorite place at the time, he later reflected, the education and experience he’d received at “Boat School” was a significant, positive influence. He graduated June 7, 1972. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY While waiting to begin his training to become a naval aviator at NAS, Meridian, Jeff worked at a local golf course. Through this experience he developed a life-long appreciation for the complexities of golf and the necessity for practice. On October 4th, 1974 Jeff received his naval aviator wings. He had already acquired his private license in his off time, while attending the Academy. Later, while attending the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Jeff also worked on and received his MA in political science from Salve Regina University, also located in Newport. Jeff was a designated Naval Aviator specializing in Carrier based Tactical Aviation. He primarily flew the A-7 Corsair II and the F/A-18 Hornet. He commanded Strike Fighter Squadron ONE THREE SIX (VFA-136). Jeff was well known throughout Naval Aviation as a “Fighter Pilot’s Pilot,” and as one of its leaders in strike operations. He retired as a captain on October 31, 1996. Wanting to remain in the driver seat of a jet, Jeff began the next phase of his life as a pilot for Delta Airlines in October of ‘97. He and his wife, Leslie moved to the Atlanta area, eventually making their home and life in Kennesaw, where they had their two children Katie and Robbie. In May of 2016, Jeff retired as a captain. It was a great life for Jeff and his family. In addition to safely transporting thousands of people around the world, on layovers when time allowed, he enjoyed his “microvacations” that typically included a nice meal and a bike ride. Jeff also took great pleasure in planning and executing family trips – which were very much enriching and appreciated. Jeff was enormously proud of his Norwegian heritage; a strong influence in his family. In one of his many life adventures, he initiated contact with his Bergen relatives, resulting in a lasting connection between his family on both sides of the Atlantic. Jeff always said, “Do what you love,” and he did. Jeff is survived by his wife Leslie, children Katie and Robbie, and his daughter Paige. He is also survived by his brother Chris (Lee), sister Lisa N. Kelchner (Todd), brother Eric (Evas), six nephews, two nieces, numerous cousins and eleven great nieces and nephews. He leaves a hole in the hearts of not only his family, but of so many friends. Jeff was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in September of 2018. He fought hard, but it is a beast of a disease. His brother Eric Nelson is running in the Boston Marathon in his honor, this April. Donations can be made to sponsor Eric in his run, with all proceeds going to the Pancreatic Action Network. He’s calling it the Cannonball Run. PCAN link https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR?px=3014722&pg=personal&fr_id=2042&et=09mUg1I6mz3rzvoSacJiyw&s_tafId=116922&fbclid=IwAR0qTgy6pXiz4wHE-NbhJv_90a1nSyVl4oJr5RKhLlIPZh-MQcwIad99iU0#.XkdZZB7pRrR.facebook Two services are planned. The first will be held locally, the other will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Jeff’s final resting place.