‘I could count on my daddy’

Jodi-Ann Nelson was brought to tears as she read the second lesson at her father’s funeral yesterday but later composed herself enough to deliver a fitting tribute to the man she hailed as her hero.

Her father, Job Nelson, a veteran journalist, died on May 21. The post-mortem report said the 53-year-old Nelson was mortally wounded by a metal object that was discharged with “immense force” from the car air bag after the vehicle he was driving crashed along Spanish Town Road in Kingston. The police initially reported that he died from gunshot wounds.

Jodi-Ann, in delivering her heartfelt tribute, said he was always present in her life, never missing important events such as school consultations, parent-teacher association meetings, and being in the crowd for her netball matches or track meets.

“I could count on my daddy to be present when it mattered the most,” she said at the funeral, held at Grace Missionary Church on West Avenue in St Andrew.

“We didn’t talk every day, but he would text me and say ‘HELLO’ in all caps, and I knew it was time for our catch-up,” she said, noting that they would spend hours talking about her problems and current affairs.

“It was always easy to talk to Daddy as he was one of the most caring, loving, and supportive persons I have ever met, and I try to emulate those traits he has instilled in me.”

“At the end of every conversation, he reminded me of how proud he was, and how he trusted my judgement, and how he knew he never had to worry about me. Our last conversation was no different as it was sealed with an ‘I love you’ at the end.”

Never see her graduate

Jodi-Ann expressed sadness that her father would never see her graduate with her master’s degree and walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

“It pains my heart that now, I only can refer to you in the past tense, but Daddy, you are always present in my heart. I love you, Daddy,” she ended.

Born to Edna Wright and Clement Nelson, Job, according to his brother, Mark, was deliberately named. Mark, who delivered the eulogy, said their mother had a “very trying pregnancy and lost a half of one of her kidneys”. As a result of her experience, she decided to give him the biblical name.

Described as “a very fast learner” by his brother, Mark, Job started his journalism career at the now defunct Jamaica Records and had stints at The Herald, the Jamaica Observer, and Loop. At the time of his death, he was sports coordinator at The Gleaner.

Moya Thomas, the editor-in-chief at The Gleaner, said that the veteran journalist has left his mark on the newsroom and will be long remembered.

“People often say to employees anywhere, don’t over do it, you leave today and they replace you tomorrow. Well, our tomorrow has not yet come, and Job’s position has not yet been filled. And even when it is, Job Nelson, with his calm, quiet, and understated way, will still be remembered,” Thomas said.

Jodi-Ann’s mother, Collette Wynter, in offering Nelson’s remembrance, reflected on a life of humility, gratitude, intellectual curiosity, and a very patient individual who wore many hats.

Great father

“He was the epitome of what a great father should be. He rarely missed a PTA meeting, consultation day, or a netball match in which Jodi-Ann participated. He was a brother, an uncle, friend to many, a tiler, a construction worker, public relations officer, and a journalist.”

“Job was very creative and resourceful, and at one point when he was out of work, he sourced an old Mac computer and taught himself to be a graphic artist, which provided a source of income. He was a known sports writer and also an avid football player who represented St Catherine High School at the Manning Cup level. People like Job pass this way once in a while,” she said.

Natalia Perry, a recipient of a scholarship offered by the Class of 1987 at Nelson’s alma mater, said the late journalist was a mentor and guardian light in her life. Perry said that Nelson, from the moment she entered St Catherine High School, took it upon himself to ensure that she received the best education.

“He supported me every step of the way, from high school to where I am at now in university. He was always there to encourage me, to push me to be my best self,” she said.

Three days before his untimely demise, Nelson, in a message to Perry, told her that she did not have to tell him thanks for his assistance.

“’My thanks is what you will achieve on graduation’,” Perry recalled.

Nelson was an active member of the St Catherine High School Class Alumi Association. His Class of 1987 has decided to name the scholarship from which Perry benefited in his honour.

Job’s remains were interred at Meadowrest Memorial Park.

corey.robinson@gleanerjm.com