LAUREL — James H. “Jim” Nelson, 90, Laurel, died Nov. 28, 2023, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

Funeral services were Dec. 4, at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Concord, with Pastor Deb Hammer officiating. Burial was at the Concord Cemetery, Concord, with military rites by the Allen American Legion Post 131. Visitation and a prayer service were Sunday, at church, and continued Monday one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers were Ray Wordekemper, Chris Wordekemper, Tim Wordekemper, Nick Diediker, John Diediker, Eric Nelson, Philip Nelson, Travis Nelson, Brock Bowlin and Cole Harmon.

Honorary pallbearers were Candy Staub, Kayla Rief and Mandy Whelchel.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

James Harlan Nelson, son of Eric and Vernice (Erwin) Nelson was born Dec. 21, 1932, in Concord. He grew up in Concord. While in high, school, he excelled at playing basketball. He graduated from Concord High School in 1950. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served his country from 1953-1955, earning an honorable discharge. He was a member of the Allen American Legion Post #131, where he received his 50-year pin, March 15, 2023. Jim worked at Erwin Service Station, Concord. He married Doris Johnson Jan. 8, 1956, in Concord. Jim farmed and raised livestock, as well as worked for Haskell Agriculture Lab in Concord from 19711998, when he retired at the age of 65. Jim continued to farm and raise cattle until Aug. 8, 2022.

Jim was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, Concord, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. Jim was involved with the Dixon County Fair for several decades as the ground’s superintendent. Jim participated in tractor pulls close to 60 years, until the age of 89. He enjoyed bowling, Husker football, basketball and volleyball. Most of all he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren playing all sports. At 3 p.m., he was drinking coffee at the Concord Café. The most important thing to Jim was his dedication to God. He attended church regularly, participated in couples’ studies and listened to his favorite TV program by Dr. David Jeremiah.

Jim is survived by his wife, Doris, Laurel; five children and spouses, Mary (James) Wordekemper, Norfolk; Dan “Harvey” Nelson, Allen; Jodene “Jo” (Kevin) Diediker, Dakota City; Todd Nelson, Laurel; LaRae “Buffy” (Tom) Harmon, Lincoln; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Stalling, Norfolk, and Sharon (Fred) Herrmann, West Point; a brother, Dean (Sue) Nelson, Green Valley, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Delwyn (Fern) Johnson, Oklahoma City, Okla.; two sisters-in-law, Linda Johnson, Broken Arrow, Okla., and Mary Johnson, Allen; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Roxie Nelson; brother-in-law, Cliff Stalling; sister, Joyce and (LaVerne) Clarkson; four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, Evert (Ardyce) Johnson, “Freck” (Suzie) Johnson, Phyllis (Dean) Salmon, Leon Johnson, and Duke Johnson.