James Richard "Jim" Nelson, age 92, passed away on December 12, 2019 at the Zablocki Veterans Medical Center of Milwaukee, Wis. He was born on March 31, 1927 in Benton Harbor, Mich., his family moved to Chicago shortly thereafter. Jim remained in the Chicago area for most of his adult life, eventually retiring to Spread Eagle, Wis. Jim attended Lindblom High School in Chicago. Following graduation, he served in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Upon discharge, Jim returned to Chicago where he later married Jacqueline Leonhart and attended North Park College. He spent his professional career as a fundraiser and in public relations primarily for hospitals and other nonprofit institutions. Broadcasting and acting became his passion. Over the years Jim served as a booth announcer for a number of Chicago TV and radio stations, appeared as an extra in several movies, and had roles in a handful of TV commercials. Additionally, Jim had a long career in local theater both as an actor and director in Chicago and Iron Mountain. He was a proud and active member of SAG-AFTRA. Jim spent summers of his youth in Spread Eagle where his grandfather and grandmother (Skoog) settled in the 1930's. It was only natural that when he retired, he returned to the family home. He loved the woods, his wonderful neighbors, and all that life in the area offered. He took advantage of the quiet of the northwoods by immersing himself in his beloved ancient history books, classical music, and love of film. He is survived by son James (Linda) Nelson of Twin Lakes, Wis.; daughter Wendy Nelson of Mt. Prospect, Ill; son Eric (Susan) Nelson of Groveport, OH; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Nelson and his wife Jacqueline. Visitation will be held Friday, September 25, 2020, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich. Prayers will be recited Friday, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post #50, Iron Mountain will accord military honors at graveside. You may leave a condolence or tribute for Jim's family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com. The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Crematory, Florence, Wis. to honor Jim's legacy of life.