{"id":15416,"date":"2026-01-31T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=15416"},"modified":"2026-01-30T08:06:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:06:33","slug":"thief-river-falls-james-r-nelson-dies-at-88","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/thief-river-falls-james-r-nelson-dies-at-88\/","title":{"rendered":"Thief River Falls: James R. Nelson Dies at 88"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thief River Falls, Minnesota<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me)<\/a> \u2014 James R. Nelson<\/strong> of Thief River Falls died Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was 88. Family members were with him at home, according to a published notice.<\/p>\n

Service details<\/h2>\n

A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026.<\/p>\n

It will be held at Johnson Funeral Service<\/a> in Thief River Falls.<\/p>\n

Visitation will start one hour before the service.<\/p>\n

Burial will take place later.<\/p>\n

\"James
James R. Nelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early life and marriage<\/h2>\n

Nelson was born on October 20, 1937, in St. Paul.<\/p>\n

He attended school in South Minneapolis.<\/p>\n

He later earned a two-year degree in an agriculture program.<\/p>\n

He married Joan Adams on October 25, 1958, in St. Paul.<\/p>\n

They had two sons, Jeffrey and Bradley.<\/p>\n

Work and service<\/h2>\n

Nelson served in the U.S. Army.<\/p>\n

For much of his working life, he repaired telephone lines and equipment.<\/p>\n

He worked for about 30 years for Northwestern Bell.<\/p>\n

After retirement, he returned to farming.<\/p>\n

Interests and community<\/h2>\n

Friends and family remembered him for his humor and easy talk.<\/p>\n

They also said he enjoyed horses and leather work.<\/p>\n

They said he made saddles and other gear.<\/p>\n

They also said he enjoyed reading and older music.<\/p>\n

Family members said he liked time outdoors.<\/p>\n

They said he watched deer and birds.<\/p>\n

They also said he enjoyed target shooting and reloading.<\/p>\n

Survivors<\/h2>\n

Survivors include his wife, Joan.<\/p>\n

He is also survived by sons Jeffrey Nelson and Bradley Nelson.<\/p>\n

He is survived by grandchildren Ambra, Bryan, April, Amanda, Benjamin, and Tyler.<\/p>\n

He is survived by great-grandchildren Aadra, Jenna, Zander, Emelia, and James.<\/p>\n

He also leaves nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n

Preceded in death<\/h2>\n

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Marianne Nelson.<\/p>\n

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Janet Haas.<\/p>\n

Related links<\/h2>\n