James Nelson

James L. Nelson, beloved husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, August 21, 2016, surrounded by his family.

James was born May 8, 1925 and graduated from High School in Borup, MN. James joined the Navy at 17 years old on February 15, 1942, and he served as a water tender 3rd class on a battleship. He was transferred to a destroyer as a gunner on an anti-aircraft gun. He shot hundreds of thousands of rounds and was in every major battle in the South Pacific until he was honorably discharged on May 28, 1946.

James married Dorothy Ball in Moorhead, MN. They travelled the world together. He farmed his entire life until age 86. He was an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ida Nelson; brothers, Norman and Arthur Nelson; sisters, Lorraine Potratz, Alice Erickson and Nora Nelson.

James is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his children, Sharry Gerry Zimmerman, Glyndon, MN, Jimmie Kathie Nelson, Moorhead, MN, Joy Steve Spotts, Fort Myers, FL, Ginger Danny Engebretson, Moorhead, and Star Amber Joseph Ridsdale, Albuquerque, NM; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Oscar Grace Nelson, and sister, Pernell Jones.