James was born in Duluth on July 20, 1947 to Jennings and Edith (Grundstrom) Nelson. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1965 and attended UMD before joining the Army National Guard. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Ricci on August 17, 1968 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Duluth. Jim graduated in Architectural Design at the Duluth Vocational College in 1970. He worked as an estimator for a local construction company before taking over his Father’s business The Home Improvement Company. Under Jim’s direction, the company grew into a well established business in the Duluth area, specializing in custom built homes. He continued working in the construction business until his retirement in 2008. Jim loved duck hunting and fishing with his son Jeff, close family and friends. He also enjoyed skeet shooting and spending time at the cabin, until selling to purchase their retirement home in Arizona. Through Jim’s life his greatest accomplishment was his guidance and love to his wife and three children.
He is preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Jennifer.
James is survived by his devoted wife, Becky; children, Shelly (Mick) Zupetz, Jeffrey (Jennie) Nelson and Amanda Nelson all of Duluth; grandchildren, Nicholas and Matthew Zupetz and James and Jalynn Nelson; sister, Judy (Larry) Lowe of Saguache, CO as well as many other family members and friends.
Jim will be remembered and admired for his great strength and wisdom, his humor and kindness and great devotion to his family and to his profession.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Friday, June 3, 2011 at Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home 925 E. 4th St. and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 North 45th Ave. East. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, Duluth, MN.
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