James "Jimmy" Allen Nygaard Sr.

James Allen Nygaard, affectionately known as Jimmy, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at the age of 90. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Jimmy will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the deep care he showed to his family, friends, and community.

Born in Atlanta on April 14, 1935, Jimmy was the son of Vernor Christian Nygaard, a first-generation American born to Danish immigrant parents, and Helen Sproul Nygaard, whose family had deep American roots. He graduated from Northside High School in 1953 and later studied at the University of Georgia.

Jimmy pursued several business ventures before founding Sewell Printing, which he successfully built and operated for more than 50 years. He fully retired in 2023 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and dedication.

His lifelong love of the outdoors began in the woods surrounding his childhood home on Powers Ferry Road, where he explored freely and even collected local wildlife specimens as pets. That early curiosity grew into a deep appreciation for conservation that shaped much of his life.

A devoted conservationist, Jimmy was a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited, serving as Georgia State Chairman in 1994 and later holding leadership roles in regional conservation fundraising efforts throughout the South. He was also a longtime member of the Capital City Club, where he valued fellowship, tradition, and meaningful connections.

Jimmy lived life to the fullest and remained active nearly until the very end. If he was not participating in a hunting trip, he was hosting one whenever possible—welcoming friends back from the field with a hot meal and warm fellowship after a morning or evening hunt.

Above all, Jimmy treasured time spent with those he loved—whether in a duck blind, in a dove field, fishing off his dock in Carrabelle, or simply being present. His life was marked by loyalty, kindness, and a steady devotion to family and friends that will continue to be felt for generations.

Jimmy’s memory will live on in the stories retold, the laughter shared, and the love that endures in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Rivers Nygaard; his son, Robert “Robbie” Nygaard; his brother, Robert “Bob” Nygaard; and his sister, Mary Helen Price.

He is survived by his cherished travel companion, Jean Adams; his brothers William “Bill” Nygaard (Decie) and Christian “Chris” Nygaard (Linda); his son Jamie Nygaard; his stepdaughter Alden Rivers Potts (Carter) and stepson Rafe Rivers (Ansley); and his grandchildren Justin Nygaard (Erin, expecting their first child—his first great-granddaughter), Jonathan Nygaard, Christian Nygaard, Olivia Nygaard, Carter Potts Jr., Brooks Potts, Emmalou Rivers, and Rowan Rivers. He is also survived by his loyal black lab and hunting companion, Jacksson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Kellett Chapel, located at 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Dr. Jay Madden. A catered reception will immediately follow the service until 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place the following day at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Ducks Unlimited, to support the preservation of North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region—a crucial breeding ground for North American ducks and a cause Jimmy championed—or to Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

Donations to Ducks Unlimited may be made online through the Ducks Unlimited Memorial Giving page or by mail. Please include “Jimmy Nygaard” in the memo line to ensure funds are directed toward his legacy.