James S. Nielsen

Click on the tribute wall above to view James' video tribute.

James Nielsen of Detroit MI, also known as “Jim”, “Big Jim”, and “Bud” passed away peacefully Sunday evening, October 23, 2022. He was surrounded by love with family by his side, he was 92.

Jim served in the army air force during the Korean War and was an active member in serving in his community of southwest Detroit. Some of the things he was involved in during his life included All Saints Church, Apostleship of the Sea, the Soup Kitchen and so much more.

Jim enjoyed life. He loved being with family and friends, playing Euchre, going to his clubs which included the Carbon, SWAC and of course the Knights of Columbus… he always had a pocket full of raffle tickets for you to buy… And another joy in his life was spending time at his second home in Cudjoe Key, FL. He was a very giving man. He loved being able to share, give and deliver bread, muffins and vegetables after church, to anyone who wanted and to many of the food pantries in Downriver. Another pastime he enjoyed was baking and making his “Jim’s Jam” that he shared with all.

Jim was the loving father of Michael (Lynn), Michelle, Dolores (Jim), Tommy (Summer), Veronica (Jay), Jamie, and Sofus (Janette). An adoring grandfather of Erin (Dan), Shane (April), Brandon, Ashley (Jimmy), Darren (Katie), Kory (Rafi), Hannah, Dillon (Lottie), Mathew (Payton), Devon (Jon), Zachary, Sofus (Tori), Jordan, Donavon, Tyler, Cody, and the late Lyle McDonald.

A great-grandfather to Jadyn, Elijah, Kenshin, Lucus, Liam, Adilyn, Scarlett, Sofus Jr., Zander, Gregory, Stephen, Leonardo, and Beckham. A loving brother to Catherine Nowaske and a dearest loving companion of Ila Mae Lancendorfer.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Sofus and Hannah Nielsen, his brother Billy, and sisters Mary Agnes, Laura, and Marie Louise, and his ex-wife and friend MaryAnn Nielsen.

He will be deeply missed by many loving family and friends.

Visitation will take place at The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes- Allen Park Chapel on Thursday November 3, from 2pm-8pm as well as Friday November 4, 2022 from 2pm - 8pm. James will lay in state at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 16700 Pennsylvania Rd, Southgate from 10am until 11 am. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 am.