Jim was born on July 21, 1949, to the late Helen Page Nielsen and Jimmy F. Nielsen in Spanish Fork, Utah. He was the third of four children: older sister Pat, brother Mike (Camille), and younger brother Rick (Jodi). Jim was also a brother to Dan (Pennie) Nielsen, son of Jimmy F. and Joy Jensen Nielsen.

Jim was a graduate of Spanish Fork High School and Brigham Young University. He served in the Utah Army National Guard from 1968-1974 during the Vietnam Conflict. He married Janice England in Provo, Utah on May 14, 1981, and became a stepdad to two amazing kids, Aimie and Wade Richards. They went on to add two more children, Amberly and Ashley.

Jim was a carpenter for many years before building and operating Jim’s Texaco in Spanish Fork for over 30 years. He loved traveling, RZR rides in the mountains and St. George, laying by the pool, his new love of pickleball, golfing and spending time with his family. The hardest worker, ever the dreamer, friend to all and enemy to none. The life and legacy he has provided his family is unmatched and will never be forgotten.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan, children: Aimie (Jodie) Mattinson, Amberly (Larren) Kingsford, Ashley (Kaid) Clark, 9 grandkids, and brothers Mike, Rick, and Dan. He is preceded in death by his son Wade, mother, father, and sister.

The family wishes to thank all those that cared for Jim at American Fork Hospital and Utah Valley hospital. The outpouring of love from those that knew and loved him have only reiterated what we already knew about him. We will forever remember our hero, storyteller, legend, husband, father, and Guardian Angel.

A graveside celebration of life and burial will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 12:30 until 1:30 at the American Fork Cemetery. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs. Services provided by Walker Funeral Home. To view full obituary and pictures, please visit www.walkermemorials.com.