James Wesley Nelson, 81, passed away April 24, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, after suffering a devastating fall at his home. 

Jim was born October 18, 1944, to Russell and Lois (Johnson) Nelson in a little farmhouse on the prairie near Walcott, North Dakota. He was the youngest of four children born into a loving family, with siblings, Helen, Geraldine, and Roger.

Jim would go on to live an exciting life and experience more in his early years than most people do in an entire lifetime.

Jim attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade, along with about 12 other children. He then attended school in Walcott, where he completed only two years before deciding it wasn’t for him. He worked odd jobs for a local farmer for about $25.00 a week, but with his wild imagination, he knew he needed a real job to satisfy his need for adventure. 

At age 17, he joined the US Navy, and the world opened up to him. He spent four years and three months as a submariner, where he experienced many firsts in his life. Over a two-year period he traveled to Australia, Midway, Guam, Philippians, Hong Kong, Japan, Bora Bora, Hawaii and many other exotic places. After leaving the Navy in 1966, Jim went skydiving and pursued many other adventures. He traveled throughout the western and southwestern United States, meeting many people and working just enough to move on to his next adventure.

That 17-year-old who left home and saw the world returned a well-rounded man who knew he wanted to come back to the prairie of eastern North Dakota. Jim was happiest when he was growing things and enjoying the simple beauty nature had to offer. He worked at several floral shops and created beautiful arrangements. In fact, he was offered a job at a floral shop just two days before his fall while helping order flowers for his sister Geri’s funeral. He was really looking forward to it, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

When Jim was 10 years told, his family experienced the devastating Walcott tornado of 1955, where they lost everything. The storm left behind many broken bones for his 6 year old nephew, Curtis and his 16 year old sister, Geri, including her broken neck. The death of his little 4 year old niece Cecila and the crushed skull of his other niece, Becky, 13 months.

Jim carried these memories with him, and in 2010 he wrote an article that was published in the Fargo Forum. His very real and touching account of the storm can be found in his book, “Dying to Live”. Jim continued writing several fiction and nonfiction books.

Jim was very close to his brothers-in-law, Clayton Fjelstad and Donald Young.

Jim was a very proud and patriotic American who loved his country, faith, and family. He along with his niece Debbie, he cared for family members who went before us.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; older sister, Helen Fjelstad Hart; brothers-in-law, Clayton Fjelstad and Duane Hart; sister, Geraldine Young; brother, Roger; and nieces, Cecila Fjelstad and Becky Fjelstad.

He is survived by Helen’s children: Curt Fjelstad, Mari & Russ Christensen, Peggy & John Errecart, and Patti Fjelstad.

He is also survived by Geri’s children: Debra Berndt, Mike & Sherry Young, Larry Young, Bob & Brenda Young, Kevin & Kathy Young and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial service will be held on July 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Barrie Congregational Church, 15785 58th St SE, Walcott, ND 58077. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment will be at Barrie Congregational Church, Walcott, ND.