Bradenton, Florida -
November 22, 1985 – March 11, 2024
Jacob Alexander Nelson, age 38, of Bradenton, FL died suddenly on Sunday, March 11, 2024 at his home in Bradenton. His Aunt Suzanne Nelson tried to revive him but was not successful.
Jake had close family in Bradenton and in Virginia. He was born in Raceland, Louisiana to parents, Janet Nelson and Donald Ruiz. He moved to Virginia, the birthplace of his Grandmother and Mother, when he was two years old. Later Jake's mother remarried and Jake moved with his family to Hendersonville, North Carolina. As an adult, Jake lived in Charlotte, North Carolina and Surfside Beach, South Carolina. His last move was to Bradenton, Florida, where his Grandmother had lived for much of her life and where two aunts and an uncle still lived. Jake was at home everywhere but not yet ready to settle down anywhere. Jake was a free spirit.
Jake was working for Domino's Pizza in Sarasota, FL at the time of his death.
Jake is survived by his two brothers, Nicholas Nelson (Nick) of Charlotte, NC and Zachary Jones of Bradenton, FL; his step-dad, Danny Jones of Boones Mill, VA; three aunts, Suzanne M. Nelson of Bradenton, FL, Melissa N. Bradow and husband, Kyle of Bradenton, FL, and Cheryl Nelson Richeson of Richmond, Virginia and his uncle, Michael G. Nelson of Bradenton, FL. He is also survived by three, great-aunts, Violet Collier Cassidy of Moneta, VA, Donna Draper Collier of Bedford, VA, and Mary Lou Collier Robertson of Forest, VA. Jake is survived by first cousins, Chyenne Bradow and Sierra Bradow of Bradenton and first cousins, Matthew Richeson and Dylan Richeson of Richmond, VA. Jake is also survived by 18 cousins in Virginia and Arkansas.
Jake was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ruiz, his mother, Janet Nelson Ruiz Jones, his maternal grandparents, Larry Lee Nelson and Shelby Collier Nelson Becker, and an uncle, Gregory Nelson.
Jake loved animals, especially dogs and cats. He had a kind heart and he was sensitive to the care and protection of animals. Jake loved cars and could spent hours talking about sports cars or race cars. He enjoyed his friends. But more than anything, Jake loved his family. He enjoyed family get-togethers and seeing everyone together. He enjoyed when family came to visit at Surfside Beach. He enjoyed the unique and varied personalities of his family members and embraced the differences in his large and loving family.
A Celebration of Life for Jake's family and close friends will be held at his aunt's home in Bradenton on Saturday, March 16 by invitation. In lieu of flowers, to quote Jake's brother Nick, "hug your loved ones".
