Christopher “CJ” James Nelson

Edmond Police Department Sergeant Christopher “CJ” James Nelson passed away on July 19, 2022 when his police motorcycle was struck by a utility truck.

Nelson was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed spending time with his family and frequenting the beach. He had an interest in baseball, where his mother, Kellie, was always cheering him on in the stands. Although Nelson’s stepfather’s military career brought his family throughout the western coast of the United States, he often returned to Hawaii during the summers. Nelson and his wife, Jenefer, were married in 2007.

After graduating from Cameron University, Nelson returned to Hawaii in 2007, committed to his dream of joining the 157th Recruit Class of the Hawaii Police Department. After two years, he and Jenefer moved to Edmond, Oklahoma. There, Nelson continued his career in law enforcement and joined the 0901 Academy for the Edmond Police Department. After graduating and becoming a member of the Edmond Police Department, he joined the motorcycle patrol unit and was also able to serve as a member of the SWAT team. Nelson was a seven-time Top Cop Buckle Down Award recipient. On July 19, 2022, a utility truck crashed into a group of vehicles that were stopped at a red light, including Nelson’s motorcycle, who was on duty at the time. Nelson passed away one day shy of his 13-year anniversary with the Edmond Police Department.

Jenefer currently resides with her children. The donation of a mortgage-free home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will provide the Nelson family a sense of relief as they continue to mourn their loved one. Jenefer states that by lifting the financial burden from her shoulders, the Foundation has given her hope for a brighter future for her family.

Edmond Police Department Sergeant Christopher “CJ” James Nelson is survived by his wife, Jenefer, and his children, Emily and Connor.