NELSON JAMES (PAPASAY)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NELSON JAMES (PAPASAY) March 28, 1943 - September 6, 2009 Peacefully in his sleep, Nelson passed away in the early morning on September 6, 2009 on a beautiful fall day. Born in Roseau River First Nations, he was the second to arrive from an unexpected birth of twins. At the age of just four years old, Nelson was placed in the Portage La Prairie Residential School, where he survived for the next 14 years achieving a Grade 9 education. He had a large family of 15 siblings many of whom were survivors of the Residential School system. He moved to Winnipeg and on September 10, 1966 he married his wife Sylvia; together they raised their son and two daughters taking great pride in their three grandchildren. Nelson is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sylvia James and three children, Rhonda (Ray Co-co Stevenson), Lisa (Calvin McKay) and Nelson (Jacqui Meeches) and his three grandchildren, Grant, Edward (father Vern) and Joshua (mother Trina). He is also survived by his sisters, Annie Henry, Rosa(Arlene) Henry, June Laroque and his twin brother, Stanley James, and brothers David James, Leonard Martin, Randy Thomas and many nieces and nephews including Glenda, Stan Jr., Kimmie, Crystal; Cheryl, Sharon, Cecil, George, Ginger, Claire, Omar, Morton; godchildren Stephanie Young and Melissa Juneau-Head; in-laws Matilda Constant, Norman (Betsy) Constant, Ingar Constant, Frank (Nellie) Constant, Muriel (Joe) Young, Clarence (Patti) Constant, Gary Munro, Gordon (Susie) Constant, Shirley Constant, Gladys Munro, Elaine Jebb, numerous Nieces, Nephews and their families. Nelson was predeceased by his father Edward James and mother Mary Rose Martin, sister Helen James, brothers Edward James, Robert James, Harry James, Ernie James, Gordon James, Gordon Martin (Gladys), Oliver James, Clifford Littlejohn (Isabelle) and cousins John James, Stella James, Cecil James, Shannon Daniels (adopted granddaughter), in-laws Catherine and Alex Wesley, Antoine and Martha Constant; Charles and Louisa Constant, Leo Constant, Ernie Constant, Francis and Julia Head, Harvey and Eleanor Brightnose, George Brightnose, MaryAnn Head, Julie Constant, Lorraine Wilson and baby Marcus. Nelson was well known in the pow-wow circle for many years as an Emcee and was also a member of the First Nations Chanters and Dancers. He enjoyed performing and singing for everyone and especially when it came to sharing Elvis songs. He was part of a band called Evening Express and he played and taught guitar to many young people. Nelson enjoyed bowling and visiting the casino to play bingo and keno. He especially enjoyed family gatherings with his many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. In the public schools he had provided Cultural teachings promoting cultural, traditional values and beliefs; he helped establish the Aboriginal Achievement Awards for youth and was a mentor for youth. He had great confidence and pride in Aboriginal Youth and had provided advice to the Youth Secretariat at AMC. Nelson worked in a variety of jobs throughout his career which included a Spray painter; a Supervisor-training mentally handicapped adults, a Social Development worker with INAC, an Employment Counselor with the Government of Manitoba and Director of Social services for DOTC. Some of the organizations Nelson has served as a board member include: Kekinan Centre, Winnipeg Seniors' group, Kinew Housing, Winnipeg Indian and Metis Friendship Centre and was also President and founder of the Winnipeg Urban Indian Association and co-founder of the Vision Quest Annual Conference. Nelson has served as Mayor of the First Nations Pavilion for Folklorama and was a founder and Coordinator for the Turtle Island First Nations' Elder Council, in the 1970s he was involved with planning and organizing Winnipeg Indian Days and volunteered for the Sisters in Spirit. Nelson has also contributed to the Anglican Church serving as Vestry member for St. Michael All Angels Church in Winnipeg. He also served the Diocese of Rupert's Land as Chairperson for the Native Commission, board member of Diocesan Outreach Urban Ministry Board, Rupert's Land Indigenous Council (RLIC) and was a board member of Rupert's Land Aboriginal Circle (RLAC). Prayers and Viewing will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. from the Mosaic Funeral Chapel, 1839 Inkster Blvd. (corner of Inkster and Keewatin). The evening will begin with a Pipe Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. A Service to celebrate his life will take place on Friday September 11, 2009 with a final viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the Service beginning at 10:30 a.m. from St. Michael All Angels Church, 300 Hugo N. Street. (corner of Hugo and Mulvey Ave., off of Corydon Ave.) Rev. Klassen Presiding. The feast will follow in the Parish Hall. Interment at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Ave. Active pallbearers are Cecil James, George James, Clarence Constant, Ron Constant, Stan (Jr.) James, Nathan Jimmy, Robbie James, Edward Meilleur, Neil Young and Mike Seenie. Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Robson, Gerry Martin, Victor Pierre, Lawrence Henry, Dan Highway, Richard Folster, Robert Alec, Norman Constant, Frank Constant, Gordon Constant, Garry Munro, Torrie Jimmy, Tom Favell, Ken Henry (Jr.), Joseph Young, the Hart family and other family, in-laws and numerous friends. Special thanks to everyone for their prayers, flowers and visits. Also the care that he received at St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Centre (D4), Beacon Hill Lodge-6th Floor and Dr. Ingle at Deer Lodge. Also WRHA staff Margo and Roy, and the Home Care nurses. He believed that: ANYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY OBTAIN THE TOOLS OF SUCCESS IN THEIR CAREERS For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca MOSAIC FUNERAL CREMATION AND CEMETERY SERVICES 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2009