May 16, 1947 — March 23, 2021

Former Glenville band director, jazz musician

 James M. Nellems, 73, of Cleveland Heights, passed away on March 23, 2021. 

James graduated from John Adams High School in 1965 and Arkansas A, M & N. in 1969.  He taught music in the Cleveland Municipal School District for 31 years, and was a jazz enthusiast, who played with several notable groups in the Cleveland area, including the noted organist Eddie Baccus. While his main instrument was clarinet, James was also proficient on both sax and flute.

A former band director at Glenville HS in the late 1970s, James was remembered as "a good teacher" by fellow instrumental teacher Jonathan Stith. 

James was active in the graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi, and served as chapter historian.

James is survived by his brother, Abdullah Muhammed (Charles), a niece, six nephews, and his special cousin, Carol Adrine. He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence L. Nellems and Purney D. (née Strode) Jackson, and his sister, B. Jean Morgan, who died last month. 

The funeral service will be held Friday, April 2 at 6:30pm at E. F. Boyd and Son Funeral Home, 2165 East 89 St [44106], preceded by a 6pm Omega service.

• • •• • •