March 31, 2025
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James R. Nelson

Winterset

By Caldwell Parrish
Jim Nelson, 87, of Winterset, died Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Jim Nelson, 87, of Winterset, died Sunday, March 16, 2025. (Contributed )

James “Jim” Robert Nelson entered eternal rest Sunday, March 16, 2025. Jim was the father of four children, six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Because of his love for family and church, there are many who called him grandpa or father.

Jim was born Jan. 5, 1938, to Axel and Elsie (Nielson) Nelson in York, Nebraska. His family moved to Prescott soon after he was born. He had two older brothers, one older sister and one younger brother. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1955, then went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a BA degree in pharmacy.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia K. Ryan, in 1957. Together they moved to Winterset where he began his career at Montross Pharmacy, where he soon became part-owner. During this time, he also served in the National Guard. Jim was part-owner of the pharmacy until his retirement in 2004.

Over the years, he spent many hours volunteering, served on many boards and committees and received many awards. He was a kind, compassionate man who didn’t know a stranger. He loved his work at Montross Pharmacy and around the community, and he could remember everyone’s name that he served.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pat; his parents, Axel and Elsie Nelson; his daughter Kirsten; one sister and two brothers.

As a loving father and grandfather, he leaves behind daughter Stephne of Winterset; son Scott (George) of Des Moines and Ryan (Maggie) of Seattle, Washington; six grandchildren: Ashley Nelson, Haley and Colton Stonebarger (Kirsten’s), Bill and Dan Landis (Stephne’s) and Jamie Nelson (Ryan’s) and two great-granddaughters, Alyssa (Ashley’s) and Natalia Landis (Bill’s).

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 28, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at the church with burial to follow in the Winterset Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jim and Pat Nelson Endowment Fund, 511 W. Benton St., Winterset. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.