James Edward Nelson

James Edward Nelson, 91, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on October 6th,2021 at his summer home on Pike Lake.

James was born in Duluth on January 17th, 1930 to Edward and Myrtle. He graduated from Central High School in 1947. He then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the Carlson School of Management with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He is a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War.

James married Esther Taylor on March 11th, 1961. They enjoyed 53 years together until Esther’s death in 2014.

James became company president of the family business, Nelson Knitting Mills, that his grandfather began operations of in Duluth in the 1890’s. After the mill ceased business operations, he was hired to be production manager at Garon Knitting Mills in Duluth, and later worked at Wear-a-Knit Corp. in Cloquet. He was involved in many aspects of the production of sweaters, knit hats, High School letter jackets and other garments. He enjoyed his work years and the people he worked with.

He had many self-taught skills, abilities and interests including knitting machine repair, outboard engine mechanics, Ham Radio electronics hobbyist and astronomy, to alpine skiing out west as a young man. He rescued and adopted stray dogs that needed a good home. He really enjoyed spending time at the cabin with his family, going for boat rides and fishing and seeing the beauty of God’s creation.

James was a devoted and loving husband and father. He taught his sons many valuable life lessons that they will remember throughout their lives. He was a former member of Chester Park United Methodist Church and a current member of Lakeview Covenant Church.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; and brother, Tom.

James is survived by his sons, Jim and Jon; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 14th, 2021 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. Graveside with Military Honors  after the service with a gathering at his Pike Lake home following.

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