James Nordahl

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James "Jim" Francis Nordahl, 69, of Satellite Beach, Fla. (originally from Lexington, Mass.), passed away unexpectedly on March 24th, 2025, while traveling with his wife in Spain.
Jim was born into a tight knit family of seven brothers and sisters, led by his father, Henry Francis, and mother, Dorothy "Dot" Frances (née Walton). Holidays and reunions were filled with stories about growing up in Lexington with his siblings Susan, Stephen, Kathleen, Kristin, Mary, and Jon. After graduating Lexington High School, he enlisted in the United States Army for two years before returning to study at Plymouth State University. While at Plymouth State, he met his future wife Marie Annette (née LeBlanc). He graduated in 1979 with his bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Infantry officer. He and Marie were married the following week, and immediately left the New England area where they had both grown up for the first of many assignments and adventures.
Jim and Marie lived throughout the country and the world, and raised three children: Patrick James, Timothy Jon, and Caitlin Marie. His career brought the family to such far reaches as Germany, North Carolina, Arkansas, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Japan, Kansas, and Virginia while he served in various infantry units. He served in leadership positions including being a platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division, a Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and a Battalion Executive Officer in the 25th Infantry Division. He took particular pride in developing the next generation of Army officers as an Observer/Controller/Trainer at the Joint Readiness Training Center, and as an instructor at the Combined Arms Services Staff School. Always curious about the bigger picture, he sought and was accepted to the Naval War College in lieu of Army professional schooling, and served as the Army Liaison Officer to the 7th Fleet Headquarters. An avid learner, he pursued further education while serving in the military, receiving a Master of Business Administration degree, as well as a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. In his career, Jim made dozens of lifelong friends, and he cherished these connections throughout his life. He was an attentive and caring father who was deeply involved in countless swim teams, scout groups, and youth groups.
After proudly serving his country for 25 years, he worked briefly as a government contractor before achieving his dream of retiring to Satellite Beach, Fla., where he and Marie lived for over 10 years. He loved his home there, and his retirement years were filled with his favorite things: traveling, visiting family, reading (mostly history), cooking, and plenty of naps on the couch after forgetting to turn off the Smithsonian Channel. He appreciated the chance to reconnect with many members of Marie's family who lived close by in Florida, and took just about any chance he could to schedule a trip or cruise with Marie. Some of his favorite travels included Ireland; Australia and New Zealand; visits with his children and later grandchildren; and the many trips taken towards his goals to see a baseball game at every Major League stadium in the country, and visit every US National Park. He and Marie also loved sharing their little slice of Florida paradise with their friends and family, which often involved airboat rides, trips to the beach, golfing, kayaking, and swims in their pool.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marie; children, Patrick, Timothy, and Caitlin; daughters in law Kristi and Catherine; grandchildren Layna, Luke, and Noelle; brothers and sisters Susan (husband Nick), Stephen (wife Coleen), Kristin, Mary, and Jon; and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry; mother, Dot; his sister, Kathleen; and several cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Our gentle giant will be profoundly missed for his quiet compassion, shrewd wisdom, playful humor, and his adventurous spirit
A visitation will held at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue (Rt. 111), Acton, on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Isidore Parish, 479 Great Road, Stow, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10 AM.