James R. Nelson

Jim was born on June 9, 1935, in Bessemer, to Carl and Signe (Riipinen) Nelson. He was raised in Ironwood.

Jim met the love of his life, Lorene “Winty” Nelson in Ironwood, and they married on Sept. 29, 1956.

Jim started working at a young age and continued his career at Michigan Bell where he retired after 32 years in 1989. Jim was a very hard worker, was full of energy, and never wanted to be bored, so along with his career at Michigan Bell, he owned various businesses over the years, including mobile home sales in Iron River, and Nelson Marine in East Kingsford. He always loved boats, motors and snowmobiles and shared that love with anyone who knew him.

After retirement from Michigan Bell, he soon realized that retirement wasn’t for him, so he started a career as a salesman in which he was a “natural.” He worked for Bob’s Homes and Riverside Auto where he won many top sales awards. After his sales career he then found his passion in woodworking and began to make custom cabinetry and furniture. He was very talented and built 100s of pieces of custom furniture in his workshop throughout the years for his family, friends, and customers at Appliance and Furniture Mart. He was a “Jack of all trades” and there was nothing he couldn’t do!

In his “spare” time Jim enjoyed flying his Cessna 150 with his son, spending winters in Punta Gorda, Fla., fishing, boating, water skiing, woodworking, visiting with friends, and most importantly, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren — whom he loved dearly.

The memories will be cherished and remembered by his wife of 68 years, Lorene; his children, Robin (Jeffrey) Rasmussen of Kingsford, Jim “Jessica” Nelson of Quinnesec, Angela (Jeff) McLean of Iron Mountain, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Nelson; six grandchildren, Mark (Tiffany) Rasmussen, Catie (Stephan) Schultz, Michael (Jaime) Rasmussen, Jamie (Joe) Tinti and Carson and Ella McLean; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson, Chloe, Conway, Aria, Hadley, Hudson and Raelynn; sisters-in-law, Jane Cashin and Flossie Nelson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Jack Nelson; and three sisters, Betty (Ben) Halme, Kathy (Bill) Richards and Karla Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Quinnesec United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at noon at the church. Pastor Walter Reichle will officiate. The burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jim Nelson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.