JAMES M. NIELSEN

August 19, 1933 -
May 4, 2021

James M. Nielsen, 87, the oldest of Marius and Dora (O'Neil) Nielsen's two sons, entered the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Jim was born on August 19, 1933, in Anacortes; grew up here and graduated from Anacortes High School Class of '52.
With his dad in the fishing industry, Jim and his brother, Ron, spent a great deal of time on the water and boating around the San Juan Islands. Jim and Ron spent countless nights quizzing each other on the names and locations of the many islands in this area.

Jim also found pleasure in poetry and was named "Poet Laureate" in his senior year and asked to contribute to the "Rhododendron" which he happily complied. He was still quite adept at reciting many a verse and if you ever saw him, you could ask him to tell you "Strictly Germ-Proof" and he would happily launch into it with "The Antiseptic Baby and the Prophylactic Pup...".

After high school, Jim entered Western University to major in English and Psychology. However, before finishing his degrees, he requested to be drafted into the Army. He was accepted and sent to Fort Ord for his basic training and then on to Fort Lee, Virginia , for his specialty training in Quarter Master Mechanics. After his service was completed, being stationed in Hawaii, he was honorably discharged and returned to Anacortes.

Jim, along with his first wife, adopted two girls: Jill and Jane. Jim was able to provide for them by working at Boeing with the Bomarc Missile Program; as a teacher and counselor at Secret Harbor for a summer, and as a postal worker at the Anacortes Post Office. He worked there for 35 years before retiring in 1992. He was known for his outstanding ability to remember an address for just about any name you could throw at him, and multiple addresses if that person had moved. However, he didn't stay retired very long before he went to work as a fantastic custodian for the Anacortes Public School system for 11 school years.

Jim greatly enjoyed many interests and square dancing was a favorite. He travelled around the State participating in the dances from Wenatchee to Seattle and even into Canada. This is where he met the love of his life, Sharon Houghtaling. They danced their way to the altar in March 1974 and shared 45 years together.

Jim was greatly involved in the community, being on the School Board, the Museum Board and was also a founding member of the Anacortes Community Theater in 1964. Sharon was also very interested in theater and they became very involved in the local productions. Sharon directed many a play and Jim played many roles, from a rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof to a townsperson in The Music Man, to the butler in The Sound of Music, and the marshal in OKLAHOMA.

Jim also enjoyed taking his wife camping at Washington Park, often having friends come and join them around the campfire. They tried their hand at canoeing down the Stillaguamish and Skagit Rivers; but Jim greatly enjoyed canoeing and fishing out in the Puget Sound best, as that was where he was most comfortable and practiced. Jim was also an avid Mariners baseball fan and attended games when he could and would elucidate the statistics of the players and teams and league achievements.

Jim had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; was a member of several local churches and was at Summit Park Bible Church for the last 28 years. He was involved in Sunday School teaching and Men's Breakfast and was a faithful prayer partner for the needs of many.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon; his parents: Marius and Dora, along with his younger brother, Ron; brother-in-law: Cliff Houghtaling and father-in-law: Henry Houghtaling.

He is survived by his daughters: Jill and Jane; sister-in-law: Penny Houghtaling; mother-in-law: Doris Houghtaling, grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2021 at Fernhill Cemetery with Pastor Monte Ruble officiating.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jim's memory, contributions to Jim's favorite causes are suggested: Summit Park Bible Church, 12700 Thompson Road, Anacortes, WA 98221; or to the Republican Party.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel of Anacortes and the San Juans.

To share memories of Jim, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com.