James Nelson

James Allen Nelson, 80, of Maplewood, MN passed away on September 15th, 2024, after complications from a fall and a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Jim was born on June 19, 1944, to Herma and Harlan Nelson Sr. in St. Paul, MN. Jim grew up in White Bear Lake where he attended White Bear High school. He then took a job at a dental lab, delivering cases to offices, where he met and married Patti Rosenberger on September 5th, 1964. They went on to have three daughters, Katie, Shellie, and Jennie, and raised them in White Bear Lake before settling in Shoreview for over 20 years after the nest was empty. Jim worked for MSI Insurance, where he built an impressive client base, and eventually owned an independent brokerage company.

Jim was strong in his catholic faith and enjoyed studying the bible and attending Christian retreats annually for many years. He enjoyed his family, whether coaching his daughter's softball team, chaperoning Friday night ski club, or attending high school football games to watch his daughters cheer, he was always supportive. He continued that support to his grandchildren by attending many of their sporting events, sometimes even razzing the other team! Jim was known for his quick wit and corny jokes, which his daughters dubbed, the "Nelson humor". It became even more endearing as he passed through the stages of dementia, never losing his sense of humor or contagious smile. Jim loved to sing and dance. He had an amazing singing voice and was occasionally asked to sing at the weddings of friends and family. He loved cars and all things fast! Jim enjoyed going to car shows and learning about classic and new cars, even taking a part time gig driving cars from auction lots to their new homes. Imagining Jim driving the car of his dreams on the speedway of heaven is not difficult. The light he exudes and the love he extends to the many people whose lives he's touched is now and forever limitless.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Nelson Sr., mother, Herma Nelson, and brother, Harlan "Tuppy" Nelson Jr. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patti Nelson of Maplewood, Mn, his daughters Katie (Mike) Zupan (North St. Paul, MN), Shellie (Tom) Manke (St. Paul, MN), and Jen Matuska (Dave Zupan) (White Bear Lake, MN), grandchildren, Sam, Jordyn, James, Logan, Matt, Mitch, Sydney, and great grandson Walter James.

A celebration of his life will be held from 4 - 7 PM on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Church St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, with a visitation from 10 AM until the time of Mass. Interment at a later date.