Jim Allen Nelson

Jim Nelson, 76 of Cloquet died Monday, November 27, 2006 in his home. He was born July 16, 1930 in Cloquet to Oscar and Alphild (Helmerson) Nelson. Jim graduated from Cloquet High School in 1948. He played varsity hockey and baseball. On January 26, 1952, Jim married Patricia Pantsar in Cloquet. They enjoyed over 54 years of wedded bliss together until her death in June of this year. Jim was dedicated to his family and friends. He never went to college but still seemed to know everything. He was a wonderful father that was always there to provide advice. It didn't matter if it was financial, legal, or personal advice. He always had the answer. His friends valued his counsel and he rose to positions of responsibility at work and in the community. His career began as a laborer in the Finishing and Shipping Department at Northwest Paper Company in Cloquet in 1948. He became Union President and was later promoted to the positions of Superintendent and then Department manager after Potlatch acquired the mill. He was respected by both the Union employees and Management for his fairness in dealing with workplace relations and for his competence. Jim served in the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the Potlatch Quarter Century Club. Jim was a Little League baseball coach and served on the Cloquet Park Board and City Council. He was valued by his peers for his knowledge of the issues and dedication to resolving problems in an honest and ethical manner. His high school baseball coach said, "he never hit any home runs, but you can count on him to line a single over second base." As a husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend - in the game of life he hit a home run. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Laura Collman; a brother, Kenneth Nelson; and a sister, Joy Ann Olson. He is survived by his son, Ross (Janis) of Esko; daughters, Kristine (Keith) Norton of Edina and Susan (Stephen) Knoll of Vancouver, B.C.; son-in-law, Walter (Beth) Collman; sister, June (Don) Cardinal of Burnsville; grandchildren, Lenore Collman, Andrea Loubert, Luke and Lindsey Knoll. Memorial Services were held on Friday, December 1, 2006 in Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Cloquet. Inurnment was in Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery in Esko. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet.