James Nelson
ISHPEMING, MI- James “Bogie” Nelson, age 89 lifelong Ishpeming resident passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice.
Jim was born July 3, 1935, in Ishpeming to Evelyn (Larmour) and William Nelson. He grew up in North Lake location. He graduated from Ishpeming High School. He served his county in the US Navy serving from 1955 to 1959. Jim returned to Ishpeming and worked for Cleveland Cliffs as a diesel mechanic for 38 years. He married Joan (Hoiem) in 1998.
Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharist Minister and taught CCD for many years. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage- fixing lawn mowers and small engine repair. He kept a beautiful yard, and he loved flowers. He and Joan enjoyed traveling and went to many different states. In his last years you would find him out in his yard on his lawn swing with a hot cup of coffee and a ready story, along with his puppy Lexi at his side.
Jim is survived by his children; Rene (Marc) Himes, Jacqueline (Percy) Dales and Bradley Nelson, his ex-wife Bonnie Nelson, special niece Kim Nelson, stepchildren; Kathy (Mike) Hakala, and Karen Skauge, grandchildren; Amy (Brandon) Boesl, Eric (Natalie) Dawe, Talia (Todd) Wunder and Braiden Nelson, step grandchildren: Mollie (Cory) Frion, Meghan Hakala, Mikayla (Mandy) Hakala and Jake (Kylie) Hakala, great grandchildren; Allen, Owen, Miccah, Aubrey, Hunter, Jax and Andi, step great grandchildren; Hadley, Ada, Axton, his siblings; Ken (Shirley) Nelson, Norma Belmore, Mary Morcom and Mike Nelson, along with sister-in-law Sandy Nelson, brother-in-law Ken Eckloff and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his son James Nelson, grandson Andrew Dawe, twin brother John, brothers; Robert, William, Richard, George and Thomas Nelson, sisters; Myrtle Rivord, Evelyn Eckloff and Kay Ollila.
Jim’s service will take place this summer at the Ishpeming Cemetery where the US Navy will accord Military Honors.
Memorials may be directed to UPAWS at upaws.org in memory of Jim.
A very special thank you to all of the kind and loving staff at MCMCF. Dad really felt like he was at home and always mentioned how well he was cared for.
Thank You to UP Home Health and Hospice for their tender loving care.