James "Jim" Nielsen

James "Jim" Nielsen, age 69 of Denmark Township, died peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2016, at his home on the St. Croix following a recent battle with ALS.James Maurice, the son of Clayton and Lois Jean (Wright) Nielsen, was born on May 21, 1947, in Alhambra, California. Following his graduation from Minnetonka, Jim continued his education and graduated with a Masters in Communication from the University of Minnesota. As an Army Veteran, Jim loved his Country and was a proud member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders in Colorado Springs. He also was a dedicated member of the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings and enjoyed the many friendships he gained while volunteering there. He was preceded in death by his parents.Jim is survived by his wife, Pam of Denmark Township; his daughters, Cate Nielsen of Minneapolis, Stephanie Marie Nielsen of Duluth, and Kristin Claire Nielsen of Stillwater; his cousins, Laurice Johnson of Rochester and Larry Larson of Punta Gorda, Florida and his brother in spirit, Joe Skow of Denmark Township. Jim is also survived by his step-children, Hannibal Cook of Oakland, California and Sheridan Cook of Lansing, Michigan.A Celebration of Jims Life will be held at the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016. Military Honors will be provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Carpenter Nature Center in memory of Jim.Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, Hastings.