Thief River Falls, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — James R. Nelson of Thief River Falls died Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was 88. Family members were with him at home, according to a published notice.
Service details
A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026.
It will be held at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will start one hour before the service.
Burial will take place later.
Early life and marriage
Nelson was born on October 20, 1937, in St. Paul.
He attended school in South Minneapolis.
He later earned a two-year degree in an agriculture program.
He married Joan Adams on October 25, 1958, in St. Paul.
They had two sons, Jeffrey and Bradley.
Work and service
Nelson served in the U.S. Army.
For much of his working life, he repaired telephone lines and equipment.
He worked for about 30 years for Northwestern Bell.
After retirement, he returned to farming.
Interests and community
Friends and family remembered him for his humor and easy talk.
They also said he enjoyed horses and leather work.
They said he made saddles and other gear.
They also said he enjoyed reading and older music.
Family members said he liked time outdoors.
They said he watched deer and birds.
They also said he enjoyed target shooting and reloading.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife, Joan.
He is also survived by sons Jeffrey Nelson and Bradley Nelson.
He is survived by grandchildren Ambra, Bryan, April, Amanda, Benjamin, and Tyler.
He is survived by great-grandchildren Aadra, Jenna, Zander, Emelia, and James.
He also leaves nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Marianne Nelson.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Janet Haas.
Related links
- Johnson Funeral Service
- Funeral home locations
- VA burial and memorial benefits
- U.S. Army
- Northwestern Bell history
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Hugs to the family and friends. He did enjoy the music. Was a joy to play music he liked !
My sincere sympathy joan from your other joan…so sad..you and he were a wonderful couple and he will be missed…
Prayers being sent to the family, loved ones and friends sorry for your loss.
He was definitely a one of a kind !
Thoughts and prayers for all of the family