James Nelson Obituary

James "Jim" Milton Nelson, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on 4/20/25, after losing his battle with pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4-6 PM, with Sharing Time beginning at 6 pm, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee, MN.
Jim was born to Milton and Violet Nelson on 1/27/54 in Moorhead, MN, where he grew up wrestling and playing baseball. He loved going to the lake with his family and spending time with childhood friends, catching frogs and minnows to take fishing. Jim played the guitar and played in the band The Purple Haze. He married the love of his life, Becky (Mohs) on 6/19/76, and soon after was blessed with his first daughter, Jennifer. A few years later, Elisha was born followed by Tom.
Working in the grocery business in Fargo, ND, where he met Becky, Jim was employed by Fairway Foods and later Holiday Stores, who transferred him to Miller, SD as a store manager for a short stint, back to Fargo and finally to "the cities" in 1984. The family of five made Shakopee, MN their home. They were excited to fish, have sports teams to cheer on and games to attend for the MN North Stars and Twins. The Land of 10,000 Lakes was a dream for Jim, as he truly loved the sport, spending hours at the cabin with his family, especially his father. There were often a few Miller Lites consumed and always "fish stories," as we called them.
Jim eventually left the grocery business and became a mortgage underwriter, working for several companies and meeting new people, with his career ending at Wells Fargo in Minneapolis. All that worked with Jim loved him, and he was always one to smile, make others laugh and bring joy to the workplace, wherever he was.
Becky and Jim enjoyed spending time with the family and those that became family from the Winjum's campground in Lexington, MN, over the last 15 summers. They have enjoyed campfires, bingo, bands, fishing, card games, 4th of July celebrations and more. Jim was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 4120 and spent endless Friday nights singing karaoke to "King of the Road" and playing bingo on Saturdays. Many wonderful friendships and memories were made at the campground and Eagles.
"Big Jim" was truly a family man and made his family and friends laugh until they cried from his jokes, inability to finish projects, perform them "half-assed" or come up with the next greatest idea. Jim was nicknamed "Clark" for Clark Griswold for many reasons. He loved attending his children's, and later grandchildren's, sports, dance and school activities. He loved with all his heart, had a contagious laugh and would do anything for his family and friends. His most prized possessions were his grandchildren, with each having a special bond with their "Papa Jim." He wanted to be an eagle someday and will have the best seat at every game and dance competition, and his memories will live on in many.
Survived by his loving wife, Becky, children Jennifer (Kevin) Sullivan, Elisha (Colin) Shaughnessy and Tom Nelson, as well as sisters, Sandra Sams and Sheree Lavelle, his cherished grandchildren, Brodie, Mollie, Finn, Declan and Eden and, of course, grand-dogs, Lucie, Harlie, Bella, Obi and Bear.
Preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Violet.
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