"NELSON" 319th Bomb Group, 438th Bomb Squad, B-26 Marauders in the MTO during WWII.

James Nelson Gabbard
March 11, 1924 - June 26, 2013
Resident of San Jose
Nelson, 89, gently passed from his earth life June 26 in San Jose. He was born in Combs, AR as the eighth of ten children. He served in the US Army/Air Force and Reserves from 1941-1953, flying 71 missions as a flight engineer in WWII and the Korean War. In 1945, he married Bonnie Mae Zumwalt, a marriage that would last 62 years. Nelson worked as a machinist at NASA's Ames Research Center for 20 years. Upon retirement they started two farms that were a source of great enjoyment in Dickie Prairie, OR and later Moss Landing, CA. As a member of the Campbell Church of Christ he served 15 years as Elder. He contributed in many ways, inspiring others by his example, to care for the disadvantaged and encouraging all to respect and love others. His work in San Felipe, Mexico with students was important. He enjoyed his final years with Bonnie living in Morgan Hill. After her death he moved into Lincoln Glen Manor. The family is grateful for the support extended by the staff there. He is survived by a brother, Glenn (Mary Ellen), Salem, VA; children: Donna (Cliff) Christian, San Jose and Tom (Vickie) Gabbard, Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 am at Campbell Church of Christ, 1075 W Campbell Ave Campbell, CA.
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on July 23, 2013

World War II – the largest and deadliest military conflict in the history of humankind – was a watershed event, one that defined the 20th century and profoundly affected an entire generation. This site is dedicated to the Allies and those they sought to protect – the troops who bravely served their countries, Holocaust victims who endured and survived against all odds, and all the men and women who helped to ensure the legacy of “The Greatest Generation.”

James N Gabbard