John David was native to Blythe, California, his whole life, where he was born to EW and Johnnie Nelson. After high school, he went straight to work where most of his jobs involved operating equipment in the agricultural field. John David was a very dedicated, dependable, and loyal worker with a work ethic you rarely see today. He married once in his life and was blessed with two boys, John and Kris, and later another named William.

John David loved his family and friends. He had a way of lighting up a room and making people smile with his kind and compassionate heart and at times, had a playful and joking nature. He loved animals and owned many throughout his life. One of his most memorable was his beloved dog named Cubbie. He would brag about how his dog was smarter than some people and would often show how smart Cubbie was to his friends if they wanted to make bets. John David also loved his cars and one of his prides was a Riviera he would cruise around town in which brought him a lot of happiness in his early years. Anyone who knew him could tell you that his greatest joy, in his later years, came from his sons as well as his grandchildren. He loved to share their accomplishments with people as any proud father would and did so with such a glow that it would put a smile on your face just listening. John was a simple man who didn't have much but was a living example of how happiness comes from within.

John David is proceeded in death by his father EW Nelson, mother Johnnie Nelson, three sisters (Willie Pearl Thomas, Mae Frances Nelson, and Katie Saunders), and one brother (Cecil Nelson).

John David is survived by his sons John (Kristen) Nelson, Kris Nelson, and a son named William; one sister Dorothy Nelson (Arthur) Ross; three brothers, Johnson "Snake" Nelson, A.W. Nelson, and Robert Lewis (Maria) Nelson; six grandchildren Emma, Ellie, Elanie, Everett, Bronson, and Ruby Ann. He also leaves behind many relatives and friends who he loved and who loved him dearly.