James Robert Nelson

James Robert Nelson, age 74, of Willmar, passed away Monday, June 9, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held in the near future at the Harvest Community Church in Willmar.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

James Robert Nelson was born August 6th, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, where he grew up and enjoyed little and minor league baseball, fishing, battle of the bands (specifically Cheap Trick in their beginning) and spending time with his friends and family. When James was 17, he joined the Marine Corps, where he fought as a helicopter gunner in Vietnam until 1969.  He received a bronze medal star and a purple heart along with other air wing metals. 

James moved back to Illinois and had a son (Adam) with his first wife (Sarah) did lots of traveling.  He later moved to Colorado with his present wife (Jerry).  They were blessed with a son (Jeremiah) and later a daughter (Jessica) in Minnesota where the family still resides.

James loved watching ancient aliens and all his different sport games and playing his drum-set. Every Sunday he enjoyed service at Harvest church and had an admiration for Pastor Brent and enjoyed the congregation. He also loved spending time with his 5 grandchildren (Kailie, Andrew, Elaina, Kevin and Freya) and he will truly be missed, let his soul rest in peace.