James Nelson
James “Jim” C. Nelson, 84, of Cairo, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 12, 2023 at CHI Health – St. Francis in Grand Island.
Services were held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Nysted. Pastor Bob Carlson officiated. Music was provided by Val Killinger and the New Beginnings Choir. Music selections included “Children of the Heavenly Father,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Blessed Be the Tide.” Honorary pallbearers included James’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Inurnment was in the Loup Fork Cemetery near Boelus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dannebrog/Boelus Rescue-Fire Department, Cairo Q.R.T, or the Heartland Lutheran High School Tuition Assistance Program.
Jim was born on June 21, 1938, to John and Mildred (Christensen) Nelson, in St. Paul. He lived on the family farm, where his grandparents and great-grandparents had also lived. His cousin, Mary McCoy Miller, was also raised by his parents. Jim attended grade school and high school in Boelus, graduating in 1956. He was confirmed at the Dry Creek Lutheran Church in Boelus and was a current member of Faith Lutheran Church in Nysted. He attended Milford Trade School for a short time and returned home to farm with his father.
He was united in marriage to Marilyn Ann Wheeler on September 1, 1957 at the Dry Creek Lutheran Church near Boelus. He served on the Howard County Soil and Water Conservation Board, which became part of the Lower Loup Natural Resources District, of which he was a director for forty-five years. He was a director on the Farmers Union Board and the Boelus School Board. He was a member of the Central Nebraska Antique Tractor Club.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Michael and Victoria Nelson, Linda and Jerry Woitaszewski, Laurie and Dan Harders, Patty and Paul Pedroza; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; sisterin- law, Veda Bruner; and cousin, Mary Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn; and son-in-law, Ken Gallagher.