James L. Nelson

To view the memorial service, click the link below:

https://youtu.be/hJ9fEow6bko

Jim was born on September 6^th, 1932, in Rolla, North Dakota to Carl C. and Nellie (Smith) Nelson. His early education was in various North Dakota schools. He graduated from Portal High School. He then attended the North Dakota School of Forestry for two years, studying wildlife management. He completed his education at Utah State University, one of only two schools offering a degree in wildlife management at that time. Jim played basketball throughout high school and for two years in college. He was inducted into the Army in 1954. While serving in Fort Monmouth in New Jersey, he was able to spend some weekends in Times Square, NY and attend some major league baseball games. He was able to watch his favorite team, the Red Sox, and his favorite player, Ted Williams. He married Freda Record in 1956. Together they had five children: Sharon, Ron, Steve, Glen, and Beverly. They were later divorced. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources in Saskatchewan, Canada for 6 years before starting his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He worked in Benson, MN, Minot and Bismarck, ND where he eventually retired. In 1984, according to Jim, “fate” led him back to his former high school sweetheart, Lona Chrest Hovey. They married in 1985, after what Lona calls “our 32-year break.” This added her four children to the family: Zola, Kevin, Jana, and David. Jim and Lona enjoyed visiting many national parks together. They spent hours watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. They went on daily walks together on beautiful trails, soaking in nature. Those who knew Jim knew he took great joy in gardening and caring for the environment, with a special appreciation for birds. He wanted his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to be able to enjoy, preserve and appreciate the beauty our world has to offer. In 2015, Jim and Lona moved to Grand Forks, ND to be close to family. They were blessed to have their love and support. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lona, children, and stepchildren as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family will miss him dearly. The family wants to express their appreciation to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their compassionate and sensitive care, allowing Jim to be surrounded by love and family in his home, as he wanted.