James Edward Nelson

Emerson, Neb. - James Edward Nelson, 68, of Emerson died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at a Sioux City hospital after a four-month battle with cancer.
His body was cremated pursuant to his wishes. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Emerson. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Sioux City.
Jim was born on Jan. 24, 1945, to Walter R. and Alice C. (Loper) Nelson, in Homer, Neb. He grew up in Winnebago, Neb., and graduated from Winnebago High School.
Jim was united in marriage on Nov. 11, 1967, to Vickey L. Surber at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Emerson. They were blessed with two daughters. He was a welder and worked at several local manufacturing companies over the years, most recently at Heritage Industries in Wayne, Neb., until his retirement.
He enjoyed taking care of his lawn. He loved to go camping and fishing, using talents taught to him by his dad. Jim was able to be in Honolulu for the birth of his grandson, Miles, and again for Miles' first birthday. He was looking forward to taking Miles fishing and teaching him those talents, but cancer did not allow him enough time to accomplish his desire. No one was a stranger to Jim. He made many friends over the years, some friendships reaching back to his teenage years.
He is survived by his wife, Vickey; daughters, Melissa Delatorre and her boyfriend, Tony Urbanec of South Sioux City, and Mindy (Josh) Andrus and grandson, Miles Andrus of Papillion, Neb.; a sister, Michaelene Ruff of Papillion; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lois and Jim Iverson of Emerson; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
His parents; and a brother-in-law, Walter Ruff Jr., preceded him in death.