James John Nelson

James J. Nelson, of Hudson, Wisconsin, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 27th, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on April 7th, 1939, in Red Wing, Minnesota, James lived a life devoted to his faith, his family, and his knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

James developed a love for farming at a young age, working alongside his family in the fields. From early mornings tending to the land to long days learning the value of hard work, his childhood shaped the man he would become. His early experiences instilled a lifelong passion for farming, which became not just his livelihood but his calling. He took great pride in working the land, seeing it as a reflection of faith, patience, and dedication.

James had a deep appreciation for genealogy, spending countless hours researching his family’s history and preserving their stories for future generations. He believed in honoring those who came before him and ensuring that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild would always know where they came from.

A man of deep conviction and unwavering belief, James dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel. Even in his final years in hospice care, he poured his heart into writing four books, focused on family and faith, and sharing who Jesus is.

James was a loving father to his four children: Jimmy (Jackie), Jennifer (Ross), Kris (Gaylen), and Nathan (Sarah). He was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren—Wyatt (Abby), Olivia, John Ross, Fredericka, Camden, Cooper, Madeline, Parker, Brody—and a cherished great-grandfather to Adalyn. He is preceded in death by his wife, Thorild. His family was his greatest joy, and he instilled in them the same faith and love that guided his own life.

A celebration of James’s life and faith will be held on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at O’Connell Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Visitation at 1 pm, funeral at 2 pm followed by a reception and burial in the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Trenton Township.

James’s unwavering faith, dedication to the Gospel, and love for his family and heritage will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). He will be dearly missed but joyfully remembered, knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior.