James Owen Nelson was born on August 19, 1953.  He died on October 6, 2014 at age 61.  His last known address was Ridott, Illinois. 

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James Owen Nelson

August 19, 1953 - October 6, 2014

Obituary for James Owen Nelson

James “Jim” Owen Nelson, 61, of Ridott, IL died Monday October 6, 2014 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. James was born August 19, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Jerome and Mildred (Rowlands) Nelson. Jim married Valerie Rothermel of Freeport, IL on October 30, 2004, in Freeport. James worked as a sales engineer for TRW, Rockwell-Boeing, Honeywell, BEI Systron Donner, Arens Controls, AJR International and EIA Controls. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Jim liked antique tractors, and he had a heart for animals.
Surviving are his wife, Valerie Rothermel-Nelson of Ridott, son, Jamie (Tania) Nelson of San Diego, CA., step-daughter, Kelly (Nick) Zavala of San Diego, CA., brother, Rev. Thom (Cindy) Nelson of Jacksonville, IL., sister, Sara (Niall) Finn of Woodbury, MN., brother-in-law, Brad (Kathy) Rothermel of Durand, IL. Also surviving is his granddaughter, Spencer Nelson, and mother and father in law, Delmar and Vi Rothermel of Shannon, IL.  James was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 11, 2014 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Rev. Gardy Cronk will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society in James memory . Please sign the guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of James Owen Nelson please visit the Tribute Store found on the www.burketubbs.com webpage.

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This is a recent picture of Jim and his wife, Valerie, that he posted to his Profile page on our DHS '71 website earlier this year, i.e., in 2014.

DHS 1971 Pioneer Yearbook Senior Year picture - Fall 1970

DHS 1970 Pioneer Yearbook Junior Year picture - Fall 1969

DHS 1969 Pioneer Yearbook Sophomore Year picture - Fall 1968

DHS Class of 1971 10-Year Reunion classnote - 1981

DHS Class of 1971 10-Year Reunion classnote - 1981

Dearborn High School's school newspaper, The Observer, staff member....

DHS Cap and Gown Graduation Day, June 17, 1971