James "Jim" Nelson

James (Jim) Nelson, age 93, of Woodville passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1932 at the family farmstead in Eau Galle Township; the son of Peter and Julia Nelson. He attended Loyalty Grade School Eau Galle Township before graduating from Woodville High School in the class of 1950. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy, and throughout his life he often shared stories of his adventures. After his service in the Navy, he completed his degree at Stout State University. Endlessly curious and naturally talented with his hands, Jim could fix just about anything. He was always ready to help, offering his time and skills to anyone in need. His deep faith in God was the cornerstone of his life, made evident by his commitment to his family and community.

After taking an early retirement from 3M, Jim and his beloved wife of 66 years, Elinor, embraced a life of travel. Together, they journeyed to visit their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as to destinations around the world, where they made lifelong friends. Their travels took them to places such as Ireland, Israel, Norway, Japan, China, Vietnam, and, most recently, Iceland.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Julia (Skresvig) Nelson, siblings Robert (Laurel) Nelson, Adwina (Arley) Gregerson, WandaVae (Frank) Waterman, Angela Fae Nelson; his father and mother-in-law Arnold and Ruth (Gore) Lehmann; and his great-granddaughter, Shade Riley Nelson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Elinor (Lehmann) Nelson; his children Laura (Michael) Jagielski, SueAnn Ott, Janis Nelson, and Peter (Nancy) Nelson; thirteen grandchildren; Philip, Brian, Rachel, Jackie, Katie, Daniel, Jessica, Jordan, Bo, Bransen, Rayah, Lucas, and Ricky, and seventeen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. Jim will be deeply missed by his surviving in-laws, Alvin Lehmann, Catherine Southard, Rose Acheson and all his extended family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered for his generous spirit, his boundless curiosity, and the kindness and knowledge he shared so freely with others.

Funeral Service for James Nelson will be 3:00PM, Sunday, December 7th at the Baldwin American Legion, 410 Maple Street in Baldwin, Wisconsin. Visitation will be Sunday, December 7th 1:00PM to 3:00PM, prior to the service at the legion. Burial will be in the Lone Pine Cemetery in Woodville. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com