David Nelson Jex

David Nelson Jex, 83, a native of Michigan and longtime resident of Southwest Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026. David was born and raised in Fort Gratiot area of Michigan where he lived with his parents and brother from 1943 to 2003. David graduated from Port Huron Northern High School and then went on to work for the Port Huron Area School District for a dedicated 35 years. David was also a member of the Michigan National Guard. David along with his parents and siblings were members of Northgate Bible Church for many many years. When the doors were open they all could be found serving Christ at some capacity, including David who loved talking to people so of course he could be found greeting the Chruch goers on Sunday mornings. He was also active in the youth ministry. He could be found on the riding lawn mower weekly taking care of the grounds as well.

David will be remembered by many as a gentle giant who wore his emotions on his sleeve. He loved the outdoors, especially the Blue Water Bridge area where there were countless evenings spent watching softball games and the ships passing by. David enjoyed fishing and hunting in the Great North at Uncle Ray's cabin. Going to the local fairgrounds every year to see the tractor pulls and playing carnival games was a never miss for David. The Silver Stick Hockey Tournament was another of David's yearly favorites. So in the winter months, David along with Ron could be found nearly every day and night at the McMorran Place Hockey Arenas in Port Huron rooting for their favorite hockey teams. Wherever David went he would be found talking to anyone who would stand still long enough to listen.

David and his brother Ron relocated to Lewiston, Michigan shortly after his retirement in 2003. Where they enjoyed peace and quiet of Northern Michigan. After the passing of their mother Marie (2008), David along with Ron then relocated to sunny SWFL in 2009 where he lived out his remaining golden years. In 2016 David was placed in the care of wonderful women, Charmaine and Fiona, who became family to David. Charmaine and Fiona began to care for David in their home after some health concerns left him needing someone to care for him. Charmaine helped reassure David of his place in Heaven by her continued prayers and her continued reading of God's word with him. In his last days, he will be remembered as saying "I'm ready to go home".

David is proceded in passing by his parents, Fenton (1993) and Marie Jex (2008); sister, Mavis Lytle (2016); brother-in-law, Jack (2024); brother, Ronald Jex (2015); and niece, Sherri (2024).

David is survived by his niece, Michelle (Jim); nephew, Jack/Skip (Georgeann); many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

He loved his family and friends dearly. The memories he helped create will be with those he left behind forever...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6