In Remembrance Of
Jim Nelson
On October 13th, 2025, James Allen Nelson, known by most everyone as Jim, “went West” at the age of 88.
Jim was born to Norman and Lucille (Ruud) Nelson during a blizzard in Dawson, Minnesota on March 24th, 1937. He attended Dawson High School, where he played baseball, basketball and football before graduating in 1955. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University in Minneapolis, graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Physics.
While still in school at the age of 13, he enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, before being discharged when the unit was activated and sent to Korea in 1951. Having not learned his lesson, he re-enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1952. While attending Officer Candidate School, he was required to provide a birth certificate, at which time the Army realized he had joined before the legal age of 16 once again, so they changed his enlistment date to 1953, the year he would have legally been able to enlist. After being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1960, Jim was assigned as an Artillery Officer and it was during this time that he decided being an observation pilot was “a lot safer” than being on the ground after noticing that they weren’t being bitten by mosquitos like he was. After completing flight school, he went on to serve flying an assortment of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters before retiring at the rank of Captain in 1975 from the Kansas Army National Guard.
After graduating college, Jim married Ruth Hill on August 9th, 1959 and took a job as a high school teacher in Clara City, Minnesota teaching math and physics while coaching baseball, basketball and football. In 1962, he got a job with TWA and moved to Overland Park, Kansas soon after. He spent 35 years with TWA, flying numerous aircraft including the Lockheed Constellation, DC-9, Lockheed 1011 and Boeing 747, accumulating a total of 35,000 flight hours between the National Guard and TWA before retiring at age 60 in 1997 as a 747 Captain. He enjoyed traveling while he was flying, some of his favorites being takeoffs from Honolulu, as he always said that the sunset on the water was beautiful and visiting the pyramids in Egypt while on layover in Cairo.
In 1973, he and his family moved to the farm in Smithville, Missouri, where he stayed the remainder of his life. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs play (and win all four of their Super Bowls) and playing bridge with his friends on Thursday nights. He was an active member of the community, being a part of the Kiwanis and the Smithville American Legion, often seen volunteering at events such as the Kiwanis Fishing Derby and the American Legion’s Honor Guard.
Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth, brother Ron and sister Judy (Martens), two children Brian and Elizabeth (Suhr), four grandchildren Caleb, JoHanna, Caroline and Johannes, a great-grandson James (Jimmy) and countless relatives and friends.
He was a kind and caring person, almost always seen with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy that will impact lives for generations to come.
Celebration of Life: 4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd at the Smithville American Legion with visitation one hour prior.
Graveside Service with Military Honors: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd at Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Smithville American Legion or donor’s choice.
Share on Social
Service Details
4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd at the Smithville American Legion
3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd at the Smithville American Legion
Comments & condolences
13 comments
Carmen and Richard Maguire
Ms. Ruth and family,
I just turned on to 144th St. when i have seen to strange men walking behind Jim’s dog. I then found out that Jim passed!
Last I talked to him was 10/1 just checking in to see how things were going….
Richard and I are shocked and feel with you, Ms. Ruth. He was not only a pillar of the community but your best friend and love of your life! We did not know you all very long but I heard stories of Jim before I even met him.
We both are thankful to have met him and got to know him for a little bit! The numerous times he literally pulled us out of the ditch……
Please Ms. Ruth, do not hesitate if we can be of any help! Carmen and Richard Maguire
John Poehlman
Jim was always a pleasure to visit with. He also managed to produce some of the best hay in Clay County.
God Bless you and your family Jim.
Gary & Melody Beggs
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim is going to be missed a lot. Loved going out on Fridays for dinner. I am going to miss being called his social director. We love you Ruth and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Gary & Melody
Bonnie Beaudoin
Ruth, Family and friends, Our hearts were shattered when we heard Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to all. In our hearts and in our memories, we will always carry this man’s friendship, his love for so many. His response whenever someone needed his help. We considered ourselves blessed to share this friendship with such a beautiful man inside and out. Our property abutted one another, and when the cows were loose, a simple call to Jim, “send him home” he would say. Then off to the place where they were, only to watch Jim go to work. His promise and dedication to the cause, made us who we are today. Rest in Peace our dear friend James Nelson. We love you! Dennis and Bonnie Beaudoin
Donna A. Hoerl
To Ruth and Family,
I want to express my deep condolences to you and the family. My husband Rudy Hoerl who just passed away in April, always enjoyed talking to Jim at church about everything “country” and the Military as Rudy was in the Army. Again I am so sorry. Jim was a fine man and friend. Sincerely, Donna Hoerl
Frank Ruege jr
a true gentleman a wonderful man to fly with. I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to work with him. a really true gentleman
John and Gwen Kemper
A true gentleman!
Ron Kleiboeket
Jim was always a pleasure to fly with, a good pilot, a gentle man, always a kind word. Working with him on a flight was a pleasant experience. Following winds on your flight West, Jim!
Dewayne and Chris knott
There are no words to express our sorrow at the loss of such a fine man as Jim Nelson. suffice it to say that God has a fine addition to the halls of heaven. Rest in peace dear friend.
Terry & Cheryl Petersen
To Ruth and family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Jim was always there to lend a hand, share a laugh or cheer the kids on. We have so many fond memories. Prayers for all.
To Caleb, we always marveled at the special relationship you shared. Our hearts hurt for you and Jimmy. Love and prayers to you both.
Lavera Craig
I am so glad I got to see Jim Oct 5 when he came over to see me at the community center. we worked together during the start of the American legion where I worked as a volunteer.
Stanley Barnes
sorry to hear about Jim. my prayers are with you all.
Sandy Littrell
Ruth, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a prince among men. Prayers for you. say hi to Caleb from me