Obituary of James Arvid Nelson

James "Jim" Arvid Nelson

(September 17, 1945 - July 3, 2022)

James "Jim" Arvid Nelson of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 at the age of 76 years.

 On September 17, 1945 Gina and Arvid Nelson welcomed James Arvid Nelson into the world in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. He grew up on a farm just outside of Wetaskiwin.  He worked most of his life in the oilfield in Canada and overseas. In 1966 he met Gladys and her young daughter Kimberley. It was love at first sight and together they became a new family. Two years later they were blessed with another daughter, Monica. Together for nearly 40 years, they travelled the world. They played hard, loved hard, and shared a passion for life that was inspiring. 

Jim touched so many lives over the years and was known to always have a cold beverage to share, helping hand at the ready, or a place to rest for weary travellers.  
After Jim was widowed, he met Johanne and together they forged a new life together. They had many adventures in Africa until he retired and then sadly suffered a stroke. Johanne was his partner for the challenging next stage of his life bringing happiness, exceptional quality of life and many laughs. 
Family was always important to Jim and he understood that family takes many shapes and combinations. Jim had a great capacity to love and there was always room in his heart for one more person or one more pet. 

He leaves behind all the many people whose lives he touched with his wit, wisdom, love. He will be missed here on earth. 

Left to cherish his memory are his partner Johanne; children Kim (David) Sander and Monica Nelson; Johanne's children Lawrence (Deanna) Hassey, Dianna (Darcy) Ferh, and Leanne Friedriches; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Maryann Pawliuk; and brother-in-law Jim Lowen.  

Jim was predeceased by his wife Gladys; parents Arvid and Gina; sister Shirley Lowen; and brother Neil Nelson. 

Interment has taken place at 9:30 a.m., Thursday July 7, 2022 at Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Burgar Memorial Chapel, celebrated by Rev. Mary Ann Pastuck.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.