James "Jim" Kent Nielsen

James “Jim” Kent Nielsen, 69, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in Marion. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa.

Jim was born on October 7, 1956, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Anker Wester and Marian Leone (Thorn) Nielsen. He was a graduate of Humboldt High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree from Sheldon Lineman School. He then began a long career as a Lineman with Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative.

An avid sports enthusiast, Jim enjoyed participating in softball, making his mark in several leagues over the years. His competitive nature extended to hunting and games of pool and darts, where laughter and camaraderie often accompanied his time spent with friends. He also had a particular fondness for listening to blues music.

Throughout his life, Jim had an appreciation for the outdoors, spending countless hours sitting by the Wapsi River. He loved his memorable camping trips to national parks across the United States and traveling south during the winter months to Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

Jim’s family lovingly gave him many nicknames including: “liteweight”, “spider”, and “wormy”. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his three siblings, Patty (Dave) Ersland, Becky (Bruce) Ruby, and Bob (Michelle) Nielsen, all of Humboldt; nieces and nephews, Tony and Ryan Ersland, Mike and Chad Ruby, Mindy Johannsen, and Jason Nielsen; and his significant other, Vickie Cummings.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and four cousins, Randy Ingalls, Doug Nielsen, Deb Chadourne, and John Jones.

Memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to the family.