James Peter Nielsen

JAMES PETER NIELSEN

James Peter Nielsen, 62, of Ronan, formerly of Stanley, N.D., went to be with his heavenly father on May 31. Jim passed away suddenly while back in Stanley visiting family. His funeral was held Monday, June 5 at 2 p.m. at American Lutheran Church in Stanley. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Stanley. Visitation was held Sunday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to noon at Springan Funeral Home, Stanley.

Jim was born February 22, 1955 in Minot, N.D. to Jens and Izola (Peterson) Nielsen. He and his family lived in several towns in North Dakota. In 1973, when Jim was 17, they moved to Stanley. On September 13, 1975, Jim was united in marriage to Peggy Greenlee. They had three children, Dennis, Nathan and Kristan. Jim and Peggy lived in Stanley until 1986 when they moved just west of Palermo to the Nielsen family farm which was homesteaded by Frank Nielsen, Jim’s grandfather. Jim truly loved living on the farm, raising cattle for a few years and took pride in the land and his family heritage.

In 1998, Jim, Peg, Nate and Kristan moved to Ronan. They bought a couple of acres of land and put up a home that is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Jim loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time around the yard planting, mowing, etc. He had a love for hot rods and was quite the enthusiast. He spent many hours in his garage tinkering on his many collectable cars. Nothing pleased him more than when his sons, daughter and grandchildren were around to give them high speed, exciting rides in his cars. Jim also raced stock cars at the Mission Valley Speedway. He did quite well and won several trophies. He was a hardworking man and had several jobs throughout his life. He worked in the oilfield when he was younger and lived in North Dakota.

After Jim retired, he and Peggy spent many hours together doing all the things they enjoyed. Among these was spending time on Flathead Lake boating. He loved rock and roll music and listening to the good oldies. He especially loved sitting on his porch with Peggy in the morning, drinking coffee, watching the hummingbirds and the beautiful view. The greatest joys in Jim’s life were his family and friends. All of his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jim could always tell a great story.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy, Ronan; sons: Dennis (Brenda) Nielsen, Stanley, N.D. and Nathan Nielsen, Minot, N.D.; daughter, Kristan Nielsen (Sej Kenfield), Kalispell; grandchildren: Alyssa, Angela and Alex Nielsen, Stanley, N.D., James and Shelby Nielsen, Ronan, and Christopher Nielsen, Minot, N.D.; brother, Robert Nielsen, Stanley, N.D.; sister, Carole Becker, Maddock, N.D.; brother-in-law, Glenn (Cindy) Greenlee, Tioga, N.D.; several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and brother-in-law, Galen.

Online condolences may be shared at www.springanfuneralhome.com