James Dean Nielsen

James Dean Nielsen went home to the Lord March 12, 2018. Jim was born September 26, 1931 in Danneburg, Nebraska to V.A. and Marie (Hansen) Nielsen and grew up on the Spear T Ranch out of Bridgeport, Nebraska. He attended schools at Redington and Bridgeport, Nebraska where in 1950 he graduated from Bridgeport High School. He went to work on the family ranch. He married Janet Heiter, June 5, 1960, at Scottsbluff. They lived at the ranch until he opened the Scottsbluff Hobby Shop in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, then the Nielsen Catering Service. He achieved his private Pilot's license and went on to gain his commercial helicopter and fixed wing aircraft as well as becoming a flight instructor. He went on to teach flying, flew charter flights, before becoming a cable pilot for AT&T in Willard, Ohio and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, covering 12 states. After moving to Arkansas he worked at Tyson research unit until he retired in 1997. They raised fie children. From before high school graduation and throughout his life he enjoyed model aviation, boating, and auto, control line to radio control. He was one of the charter members of the Platte Valley R/C'ers at the Mitchell, Nebraska Airport. He enjoyed hunting, flying both real and model, boating, fishing, motorcycling, gardening, and family gatherings. He is survived by daughter, Nannet Nielsen of Gentry, Arkansas; sons, Brian and (wife) Coleen Nielsen of Gering, Nebraska; Clark and (wife) Debbie Nielsen of Colcord, Oklahoma; Kevin Nielsen of the home at rural Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Jim V and (wife) Dael Nielsen of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norval and (wife) Audrey Nielsen of Bridgeport, Nebraska. Graveside services will be held at the Redington Cemetery, at Redington, Nebraska. Please visit his online memorial at www.WestfieldChapel.com.