Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Nordstrom Obituary
James Eric Nordstrom
June 16, 1953 - June 10, 2011
James Eric Nordstrom, 57, of Farmington, passed away on Friday, June 10, in Farmington. He was born June 16, 1953, in Roswell, where his parents were stationed at Walker Air Force Base. The family settled in Farmington when Jim was a year old.
Known as "Jamie" in his youth, he attended McKinley and Apache Elementary Schools, Tibbetts Junior High, and Farmington High School. In high school he was active in student council and thespians. During those years, he was also a major "hell raiser."
His parents observed early in his childhood that Jim had an interest in math and science which was further sparked when, at age 17, he attended a National Science Foundation training program at Loyola University.
In 1975, he graduated from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif., with a degree in mathematics. He attended Duke University Medical School, graduating in 1982 with a specialty in Internal Medicine.
In 1984, Dr. Nordstrom returned to Farmington to work as an emergency room physician at San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he served as Emergency Room director until 1999.
Taught well by his father, Dr. Frank Nordstrom, Jim left a legacy of deep caring and concern for the many patients who saw him in the emergency room. His calm competence in difficult situations is remembered by many and he is revered for this service. His knowledge of medicine was encyclopedic.
Jim had an appreciation for the beauty of the New Mexico landscape. Since childhood he loved to explore the canyons and mesas of the Four Corners area. An excellent cook, he enjoyed sharing this with friends. He had a love of the English language and was an avid reader throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Pritchard, who he cared for in her later years.
Jim is survived by his father, Frank, a retired Farmington pediatrician, and wife, Connie; brother, David and sister-in-law, Jane Fredman, of Colorado Springs Colo.; brother, Thomas and sister-in-law, Carolyn Nordstrom, of Los Angeles Calif.; sister, Susan Nordstrom of Denver, Colo.; nephew, Ian Nordstrom; and niece, Ellen Scherner.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at the First Baptist Church of Farmington, 121 N. Auburn Ave., in Farmington.
Friends are invited to bring stories and memories of Jim to share at the service.
The family requests donations to local charities in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Nordstrom
Lloyd Kunimoto
July 3, 2021
I knew Jim at Harvey Mudd. He was destined to be a doctor even though Harvey Mudd did not have a pre-med curriculum at the time. I am very happy he practiced medicine as he spoke with great admiration of his father. Very sad that he left too soon. He left a lot of friends behind.
Patricia Baldonado
November 4, 2020
Have not forgotten. My continuous prayers for Dr. Nordstrom.
Patricia Baldonado
June 11, 2019
I continue to say a small prayer for him each day, and each June for him and the family. It still for me is very sad.
Patricia Baldonado
July 14, 2011
I don't even know how to express my deep sorrow and condolences to the Dr. James Nordstrom family. I recently found out about the tragedy of Dr. Nordstrom's death this past Sunday 10 July. Dr. Nordstrom is one of the few people I ever worked with that I truly admired, respected, trusted and loved. I am filled with much sorrow at this time, and can't even imagine your sorrow. I will fervently pray for Dr. Nordstrom and the family. May God Bless all of you at this deep time of sorrow, and may God always Love and Bless Dr. Nordstrom.
July 12, 2011
Our sincere condolences to the Nordstrom Family. It was a shock and disbelief when we heard of his demise. Friends at Cobalt Automation Inc., Durango, CO.
Sue Cassens
July 10, 2011
My sincere condolences to those who stayed close to Jim. His friends will remember the good days and hopefully, find comfort in those memories.
Marcia Allen
July 7, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Frank Nordstrom Family,
Growing up in Farmington we all knew what a wonderful and smart youngman Jim was.
Time will pass but he will not be forgotten, for the compassionate care he gave to every one in the ER.
catherine taylor lynn
June 30, 2011
Dr. Nordstrom, I am sorry about the senseless
Tragedy. You and your family are in my thoughts and
Prayers.
Candi McNew
June 24, 2011
Nord was a friend and mentor. I will never forget the good and bad times working side by side with him at SJRMC. Farmington has lost a great man. My heart goes out to those who remained close in his life. My life is richer for having known him.
Christy Moore
June 23, 2011
To the Nordstrom Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this heart breaking time. Jim was a great man and good friend.
Dorsett Bennett
June 21, 2011
I went to school with Jim for six years, from Tibbets Jr. High [where I remember his explaining that he had a choice between going to Tibbets or Hermosa, and he chose Tibbets--which was the more blue collar/working class school]. He was always friendly, and so very, very smart. A person would be hard pressed to not like Jim. I remember being a bit surprised at our 20 year class reunion that he even had remembered me, much less with such happiness. His unfortunate death is truly a loss for us all. My condolence to his to his family and friends.
Cindy Lanier
June 20, 2011
Dr. Frank Nordstrom & family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. Thank you for all you and your family has done for our community and your patients especially. Always - your former patient - Cindy Lanier
ashlee lienemann
ashlee-jo lienemann
June 20, 2011
Gabe my heart goes out to you so much i will always carry you withme .I want you to know i miss you and love you rest in peace tell jordan i love him too
Carol Sharp
June 20, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Frank Nordstrom family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you always.
Bevra, Cody,Tyler Rogers
June 20, 2011
Our condolences to the Nordstrom Family during this difficult journey of losing a magic son. James dedicated his life to help save lives, and make San Juan Regional Hospital the remarkable facility it is today. We never quite understand how such a bright light can be extinuished. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nordsrom Family at this time. Bevra, Cody, & Tyler Rogers.
Dotti
June 20, 2011
I was lucky and blessed to have met Jim when I needed a good friend. He could always be counted on for good intellectual conversations. He will be deeply missed.
Peggy Gates-Wieneke
June 19, 2011
Jamie Nordstrom, later to be "Jim", then to be "Dr." was one of my best buddies in grade school. We exchanged notes with pennies and peppermint candies, and had contests in 6th grade to see who could get better grades on our math homework and tests (I'm pretty sure he prevailed most of the time, but I didn't do too bad myself!). In high school, he was our Sr. class president and he kept us in line with an awesome sense of humor. He went on to study at Harvey Mudd College and Duke Medical School. At our 20th reunion, I greeted him by saying loudly and with gusto "Jamie Nordstrom - you're here!!" He replied by hugging me and saying "Gees, nobody's called me that since grade school!!" I asked him why he'd returned to Farmington to be an ER physician and he said he'd seen and been a lot of places, but that Farmington was where he wanted to be. I had been hoping to reconnect with him at our 40th reunion this fall.... Instead, I say good-bye. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and the community of Farmington. Jim, you will be missed, but we will cry and laugh when we tell stories about you at future reunions
Mablene B
June 18, 2011
Jim we will dearly miss you . I am proud to have worked with you. Always enjoyed your company.
Sharon L Clark
June 18, 2011
My sincere condolences on the loss of Jim. I am thinking and praying for you and you family. Love, Sharon
June 18, 2011
There are no words to express the surprise and sorrow that such a wonderful person was taken at such an early age. Jim impacted so many peoples lives in such a positive way! I loved him and I miss him. He cared for my children in the ER in such a kind, compassionate, and caring way showing who he really was. Time will pass but he will not be forgotten. May your sorrow be overshadowed by love and joy in the life he lived. Michell Islas Bainter and family.
Billie Woods Frankland
June 17, 2011
Praying for God's sufficient grace to be revealed through this extremely difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Judith Rochelle & family
June 17, 2011
My sincere condolence on the loss of James. There are no words that can ease the grief you are feeling, nothing that can lessen the hurt and I can provide no solace to your loss. I do know the bad times you are experiencing at this time will lessen as time goes by and beautiful memories will overshadow your grief. Please know our prayers and love are with you all.
June 17, 2011
I remember a bright kid with a positive outlook on life. At Tibbetts Jr. High, he was the first person I ever heard use the word "intrinsically", and for years after I would remember Jamie Nordstrom whenever anyone said "intrinsically". The books he carried were bigger than he was, and as he passed in the hall, all the kids would greet him.
We were blessed that he returned to Farmington, when he could have been at Vanderbilt, or Tulane, or Columbia. God bless the Nordstrom family and thank you. Signed, A sincere admirer.
James Olsen
June 17, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to the Nordstrom Family during this time of loss. My memories of Jim are such happy ones from our "formative" years together in high school. We're all better for having known him and cherished his charm, wit, and sense of humor.
Dr. & Mrs. James H. Olsen, Jr.
June 17, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. My parents, the late Wright and Velma McEwen, of Cedar Hill, knew and thought highly of the Nordstrom family. Our entire McEwen family expresses our deepest sympathy.
Janelle McEwen Osborn and family
Sharon Broten-Shine
June 17, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in James Nordstrom's name
Memorial Events
for James Nordstrom
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Nordstrom's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
