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James A. Nelson, June 28, 1948 • March 20, 2022

Lead Summary

James A. Nelson, 73, died Saturday, March 20, 2022, at his home in rural Murdock.
His service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Bethesda Lutheran Church near Murdock with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Everyone is encouraged to wear camouflage in memory of James.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Bethesda Cemetery Association or the Swift County Food Shelf.  
James Ardell Nelson was born June 28, 1948 to Ardell and Georgine (Johnson) Nelson. He was baptized August 8, 1948, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Murdock, Minnesota.  Jimmy spent nearly his entire life in the Kerkhoven/Murdock area.   He farmed with his dad and later with his brother.   He loved raising cattle, especially the Herefords that were his “babies.”   He talked often about the 28 years he drove school bus and recalled many of the “kids” who grew up and still held him as a good friend.     
Jimmy always said he wasn’t very smart, but he could remember dates and places and events without hesitating. He loved a good discussion that even bordered on an argument.   One of Jim’s greatest gifts was a beautiful singing voice. He could out-sing a whole church full of people.  One winter he took the top off his CJ7 Jeep and he’d drive around town singing at the top of his lungs. Jimmy loved local history and he took great interest in the early residents of Hayes Township.  Jim never married or had children, but he liked to tease the local niece and nephews and he wasn’t afraid to tell them what they were doing wrong.
He is survived by a sister, Karen (Stephen) Jensen of Owatonna; a brother Carlton (Marsha) Nelson of Kerkhoven; several nephews and nieces; and many friends and acquaintances.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister: Carol Wehrer.
Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Kerkhoven Funeral Home.

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