James Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jim Nelson, late of Battleford, SK, announce that he passed away at Battleford District Care Centre on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the age of 74 years.

Left to cherish Jim's memory is his loving wife, Myrna Nelson; siblings: Sandy McGrath (Jim), Karl Nelson (Sandy), Jo-Ann Ganzert (Les), Doug Nelson (Susan), Linda Nelson and Terry Nelson; sister-in-law, Lana Danylyshen (Larry); brother-in-law, Lynn Getz (Alvena); Jim’s puppy supervisors: Shelby, Timmy, Bear and Cleo; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Eunice and Walter Nelson.

James Hilmer Nelson (Jim) was born in Notre Dame Hospital in North Battleford on June 24, 1950. Jim first lived on the family farm in the Brada district in the house his grandfather built. Jim started school at Brada, then moved to North Battleford in November of 1956, where his education continued at Alexander School, and later North Battleford Collegiate Institute.

Jim was a member of the North Battleford City Kinsman Band for many years; the highlight of this membership for him was winning a personal gold medal for his French horn talents at Moose Jaw's International Band Festival, and being a part of the groups that won medals in fancy drill and stage band competitions. Jim started curling in the early 1960s, with the Denholm 4-H Club, and participated in school curling for many years. He also curled with his dad for several years.

Following school, Jim played fastball in the Commercial League in North Battleford while working in North Battleford. He played fastball for Denholm for several years and later for the Whitkow team. In the late seventies, Jim started coaching hockey in Battleford and eventually returned to playing hockey again with local teams, including the Wilkie Old Timers.

Jim began his own farming in 1971 on rented land, as well helping his father with his farm. Jim moved back to the family homestead, and built his own house. Jim was present for most local community events in the Brada area, including offering his help at the nearby auction events.

In 1993, Jim met Myrna Getz at the North Battleford Fair Parade. Myrna and Jim were married at St. George's Anglican Church in Battleford on July 9th, 1994. They shared a love of dogs, gardening, and fitness. They also enjoyed camping, especially at Cold Lake where they could take their tiny dogs walking. Their journey together was full of love, laughter, and resilience.

A celebration with family and friends will be held Saturday, April 19 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 70, North Battleford, SK at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Battleford District Care Centre for the continuing care provided to Jim during his final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation, 1092 107th St., North Battleford, SK S9A 1Z1.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium - Alyssa Kozinski Apprentice Funeral Director

Jim and I were married July 9, 1994. Over the years I taught at numerous schools in North Battleford and Battleford. Jim was a jack of all trades and my right-hand man in building backdrops for school Christmas programs, redesigning storage rooms for physical education equipment, driving sports teams to basketball tournaments and hauling an electric piano to a Remembrance Day program. Apparently, Jim didn’t know what he was getting into when marrying a physical education teacher.

Jim and I enjoyed landscaping our farmyard with numerous flower beds, trees and gardens. We also liked to decorate the interior of our house with the different seasons and holidays. When the fiber optic era came in, Jim transformed our simple mirror-based, hand-painted display into a 4’ by 8’ fiber optic village with a river running between the ski hill and the village.

You don’t want all work and no play. So we would celebrate each other’s birthdays at our farm trying to “surprise each other” with where we his the guests. During the summer holiday break, Jim and I would try to go camping as much as possible. We especially enjoyed Cold Lake, where we could take our tiny dogs, Timmy and Bear, on walking trails. In 1996, we flew to the United Arab Emirates to visit friends that were living and working in Al Ain.

We had hoped to do more travelling when I retired, but due to Jim’s health, this was not possible. However, I have numerous precious memories of our time together that I will always cherish.

Love Forever, Myrna

I remember Jim would often be over at our place for a meal or a drink. He was a big help to my parents over the years whether it was helping with the family business between farming seasons for Jim, or running us around for hockey, etc. Jim was always concerned Mom would be upset if he was late bringing us home, but would chuckle and say, “But she’ll forgive me”. Like Dad mentioned, Jim was like an uncle to us. He had a distinguished laugh that could be picked out anywhere. Often, I’d go over and help Jim at his farm whether it was yard work or getting ready for seeding or harvest, giving back some time he gave to us around Auctions. He'd always have time to show you how to do things and what dangers to watch for. When it was time to go in for lunch or supper, Jim liked to turn on The Three Stooges, he thought they were hilarious. Jim was a great person and well-liked by many who had the fortune of knowing him. I’m not a Scotch drinker, but will have one in memory of our friend Jim.

- Brendan Kramer