James Wilfred Nelson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Wilfred Nelson, who peacefully passed away on December 11, 2024 with family by his side, at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community in Greeley, Colorado.

Jim was born on February 9, 1941, in Greeley, Colorado, to Reuben and Esther (Anderson) Nelson. He attended grammar school at LaGrange School in rural Weld County and graduated from Eaton High School in 1959. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California, for four years. He was a lifelong member of the Eaton Evangelical Free Church in Eaton, Colorado.

Jim spent his professional career in the telephone industry, working as a lineman for AT&T, Mountain Bell, US West, and affiliated companies in Greeley and Montrose, Colorado. Each fall, he took time off to assist with the harvest on the family farm. He also dedicated several years to supporting his brother Jerry in growing Nelson Landscaping in Greeley. After retiring, Jim returned to the farm where he grew up, located north of Greeley.

Jim had a deep love for fishing, restoring his cherished John Deere Model A tractor, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, which brought him great joy. Jim also had a great love for sweets! He was a Swede at heart for sure. There wasn’t a day that went by in the last 15 months that he didn’t request a Hershey bar and a coffee “2 cream 2 sugar please”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Esther Nelson, his sister, Judith Olson, and brother in law Lloyd Jenkins. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Jenkins, and his brother, Gerald Nelson; his two sons, Kenneth Nelson (Nancy) of Greybull, WY, and Darwin Nelson (Gloria) of Broomfield, CO; and his daughter, Linda Huston (Rick) of Greeley, CO.

Jim is also survived by nine grandchildren: Samantha Kellams (Spencer), Alec Nelson, Rikki Bunday (Drew), Noah Nelson, Dylan Nelson, Peyton Huston (Kiley), Jordan Nelson, Maverick Nelson, and Christian Nelson; three great-grandchildren: Raegan Bunday, Krayton Bunday, and Casen Huston; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley, Colorado (specific date and time to be announced).

Jim will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, hard work, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers or cards donations can be made to “APS” Adult Protection Services (agewisecolorado.org)