James R. Nelson

James R. Nelson (Jim) passed peacefully in Hospice care on December 28, 2022, in Brooksville FL. He was born in Superior, WI April 30, 1934, to Roland and Edith (neé Seyffer) Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Judith (neé Barsten) who he loved dearly, daughter, Kristin Hope, son, Steven Nelson (Melissa), grandchildren, Aaron Trotter (Liz), Michael Hope (Michelle), Leah Berry (Jay), Paul Nelson (Sara), and Jonathan Hope (Hannah), and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Delores (neé Pelander) Nelson, his son-in-law Bryan Hope, and his grandson Matthew Trotter.

Jim and Judy were married in 1956 and shared 66 years together. Jim spent the majority of his career in sales and marketing management for UnoCal. His career took the family from Superior, WI to Fargo, ND, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, and finally full circle back to Superior, WI. They retired to Spring Hill, FL in 1994 and spent summers in Iron River, WI. As a young man, Jim loved sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football, and he spent many days playing with his children and grandchildren coaching, fishing, and boating. When the kids and their cousins were young, he spent countless hours pulling them on water skis on the Pike Chain during their summers in Northern WI. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Nativity Lutheran Church at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Nativity Lutheran Church, HGH Hospice, or a charity of your choice.