James F. Nelson, age 78 of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2014 in Shawano. He was born on February 23, 1936 to the late Reuben & Hazel (Tollerud) Nelson. Jim is a graduate of Michigan State University in 1960 and sang in the Michigan State Men's Glee Club. On November 11, 1961 he was united in marriage to Jean Wilhorn in Wisconsin Rapids. He worked in the food service industry in sales and management at Oxman Meat Company in Milwaukee, DG Robinson in Oconomowoc and Neesvig in Madison before retiring in 1998 when they moved to their Shawano Lake home. Jim found pleasure in restoring 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevy's with his sons. He enjoyed deer hunting with family along with duck hunting in North Dakota and Muskie fishing in Canada. Jim was an active member of the Ducks Unlimited Chapter in Shawano County and served as a committee member for 16 years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir. He enjoyed golf and helped with the junior golf program at Golden Sands. He cherished his time with his family and friends taking pontoon rides on Shawano Lake. James is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean; his sons, Dan of Minneapolis, Dave (Jill) of Appleton; three grandchildren, Jonathon of St. Paul, Adam and Jennifer of Appleton; one brother-in-law, James (Barb) Wilhorn of Nekoosa; one sister-in-law, Joanne Wihorn of Wisconsin Rapids. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2014 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with the Rev. Timothy Shoup and Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Bonduel. A memorial fund has been established for the St. Paul Education Fund.