James Jim Clarence Nielsen

James Clarence Nielsen, 78, of Mesa AZ, died Thursday, January 22, 2015. Born June 28, 1936, in Beloit, WI. To Clarence and Lillian Nielsen. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Airforce. He married Betty Nielsen who preceded him in death in 1998. Together they raised two children. He later married Noreen Kelly. Jim lived on the river and enjoyed the outdoors; camping, boating, fishing and taking people for rides on his pontoon. He loved square dancing and belonged to the Thunderbirds and Blackhawk Cross Trail-ers dance clubs. He owned Petti- Pants Apparel Shop that he operated out of his home for 6 years. While in Arizona, he entertained himself with woodworking projects and was active with the Club House.

Surviors: wife of 14years, Noreen; children, Kieth Nielsen (Phyllis), Chris (Tracy) Grande and Noreen’s children, Carrey Mendza, Rick, Donny and Mike Nafzinger; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Nancy (Ray) Stone. Predeceased by parents; wife Betty; sisters, Lazetta and Pat.

Services: 12:00 noon on Monday, February 2, at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, Il. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial immediately following in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To express condolences, visit www. sunsetfhmemgardens.com.