Jim Nelson

December 14, 1944 - January 30, 2024

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church

Service: A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.

Jim Nelson, age 79, died Tuesday, January 30, 2024 surrounded by his family at Dougherty Hospice House.  A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.  Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.  www.andersonandsonsfh.com

James was born on December 14, 1944 in Canton, SD to Chester and Myrtle (Sundvold) Nelson.  He graduated Canton High School and the University of SD (Springfield) with a degree in Vocational Education.  He briefly served his country in the SD Army National Guard.  He married Marcene Gedstad on August 1, 1968 at Canton Lutheran Church.

Jim taught at Southeast Technical Institute for 25 years, mostly in the Diesel Program.  After retirement, Jim drove truck for Hill Farms during harvest and worked as a custodian at the Lincoln County Courthouse.  He also served as a Canton City Commissioner and was active on numerous community and church boards.

Jim enjoyed woodworking, cars, and having coffee with his crew.  Above all else, Jim cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcene; children: Kristine and Alvin Huyser and Anne and Jeremy Meendering; and grandchildren: Kaleb Huyser, Hannah Huyser, Garren Meendering and Erica Meendering.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, in-laws Kalerd and Verna Gedstad; and granddaughter Korrina Huyser.

 

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20 messages have been left

  1. Merlyn & Judy Sundvold on January 31, 2024 said:

    SO sorry for the loss of JIM,great cousin may God look over you all,,,,,,,Sorry i will not be their just out of hospital of 51 days MAY GOD LOOK OVER THE FAMILY

  2. Tom and Tricia Minsaas on January 31, 2024 said:

    I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I am asking God to wrap his arms around you during this most difficult time. you are in my thoughts and prayers always. hugs

  3. Laura Sundvold on January 31, 2024 said:

    So sorry for your loss, I’m thinking of you all. I always enjoyed the stories about the cousins when they were young living in Canton (my dad is Glenn Sundvold)!

  4. Laura Sundvold on January 31, 2024 said:

    So sorry for your loss, I’m thinking of you all. I always enjoyed dad’s (Glenn Sundvold) stories about the cousins during their youth in Canton!

  5. Jim Sherry Kamm on January 31, 2024 said:

    Marcie, we are so sorry for this loss. He was such a nice person. We always enjoyed visiting with the two of you at Hidden Palms.
    Jim and Sherry…. Room 103

  6. Dean & Vi on February 1, 2024 said:

    Marcene and family: you are in our thoughts and prayers during this diffficult time. Bless his memory. He will be missed! 🙏❤️

  7. Sandra Thomas on February 1, 2024 said:

    I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace and memories of your lives together bring a smile to your heart.

  8. MAC and Carol McEntee on February 1, 2024 said:

    so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. our sympathy and prayers to all. Mac And Carol McEntee.

  9. Jennifer Andersen on February 1, 2024 said:

    So sorry for your loss. Let the healing hands guide you over the next few days, months and years.

  10. Lynn Vaksdal on February 1, 2024 said:

    Im so Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing ! Sending your family my deepest sympathy at this difficult time !

  11. Christi VanBockern Henderson on February 1, 2024 said:

    Thinking of you as you remember and celebrate Jim’s. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. May you find comfort in your memories.

  12. Laura Lee Campbell on February 1, 2024 said:

    Marcene, I remember you and Jim so fondly from my years teaching at Southeast Tech. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family in this loss.

  13. Jeff and Darcy Bjorneberg on February 1, 2024 said:

    Marcene, Kris and Anne I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a great guy.

  14. Daniel Amert on February 2, 2024 said:

    Marcene and family, I am terribly sorry for all of you at Jim’s passing. Jim was a man of character and compassion. May the Lord Jesus care for you and give you comfort during these difficult days.

  15. Mary Vockrodt on February 2, 2024 said:

    Hello Marcene,
    I was so sad when I heard Jim had passed away. Please accept my sincere condolences.
    You shared a wonderful life filled with laughter, loads of love, and two darling daughters and their families. He will sure be missed!
    May the love of your family and friends, hep you through this difficult time. Love to you.
    Mary (Nelson) Vockrodt
    Lois’ sister

  16. Bonnie Larson Higgins on February 2, 2024 said:

    So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers to Marcene and family.
    I think some of the coffee crew is now meeting in heaven.

  17. Juanita Dreessen on February 4, 2024 said:

    I am do sorry to hear of your loss. you have my sincere sympathy.

  18. Ron Anderson on February 5, 2024 said:

    I grew up in Canton just two blocks west of Jim. My sister Gloria was a classmate to Jim. My dad, Floyd Anderson dove bus with Jim. Jim was one person that was easy to talk to. Although we’re on this earth for a short time, it’s the people we are fortunate to have met that shapes our lives. Marcene, please accept my condolences at this difficult time.

  19. Donna Gries on February 6, 2024 said:

    I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was such a wonderful person. He had a special sense of humor that would bring a smile to anyone. God Bless you all and let God lead the way. Thinking and praying for you all.

  20. Terry Sullivan on February 8, 2024 said:

    I extend my deepest sympathy to Marcene, family, and friends. Jim was a dedicated faculty member and a pillar of the auto/diesel programs for over 25 years at Southeast Tech. We will always be grateful to Jim for his many fine years of service to students and staff.