James G. Nielsen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

With his life journey on this Earth complete, James Gerald Nielsen of Claverack, NY departed this world on February 28, 2022, after suffering a long, heartbreaking decline from Alzheimer’s disease. James, affectionately known as Jim, was born April 1st, 1938 in Yonkers, NY to the late Theodore Julius Nielsen and Lillian (Brunges) Nielsen. He is predeceased by his older brother Theodore (Skip) Nielsen. Jim attended elementary school at Hartsdale Public school #7 and later Pocantico Hills central school. He was a graduate of the class of 1956 at Washington Irving high school in Tarrytown, NY. From his classroom window he said he observed the construction of the Tappan Zee bridge. Soon after high school, Jim enlisted in the New York Air National Guard located then at the Westchester county airport. He served from 1957 - 1962 as a jet engine mechanic with the rank of A1C and received an honorable discharge. James married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Karen Louise Hartson on March 16th, 1960. He would affectionately refer to her as his “Sweet Swede”. The happy couple raised their four children in their hometown of Elmsford, NY until moving to Claverack in 1981. Jim began his career as a professional truck driver, starting with tractor trailer driving and then driving heavy construction vehicles including cement trucks, dump trucks, and boom trucks. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union at local 456 in Elmsford, NY driving for a variety of construction companies throughout Westchester and later in Columbia county. He retired from truck driving in 1996. Never one to keep idle, Jim was an active volunteer fireman with the Churchtown Fire Department for over 20 years. He also had many hobbies and interests including his lifelong love of model trains and cars. As a young man he enjoyed restoring antique cars, attending antique car meets, and even belonged to the Antique Car Club. Jim was also an accomplished gardener who found joy in sharing his produce with everyone. His specialty was growing a variety of garlic. He liked deer hunting in the fall and making woodworking gifts for friends and family. Jim enjoyed relaxing evenings with Karen, having their favorite drink, playing card games, and doing puzzles. Jim was always an outgoing and personable man with a good sense of humor. His friendly smile and hearty laugh were an integral part of his good natured personality. James is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Karen L. Nielsen, their four children Robert T. Nielsen and his sweetheart Susan Arditi, Donna L. Nielsen Brooks, Gail L. (Richard) Puff, Eric J. (Maria) Nielsen, eight grandchildren; Judith Mae Nielsen, AJ & Kevin Brooks, Richard Jr (Alyssa), Christopher (Kasey), Brandon (Samantha), Justin Puff, Isabella Nielsen, and seven great grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his sisters Patricia (Randy) Hultberg of Newport News, VA and Wendy (Mike) Regan of Springfield, MA in addition to many nieces, nephews, and dear friends John & Kathy Hoefer, Sal & Marie D’Amico among others. Visitation hours are Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 from 3-7pm. Funeral services will be Thursday March 3, 2022 at 11:00am. Visitation and funeral will be held at Bates & Anderson Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home110 Green St. Hudson, NY 12534. Donations to be made to the Churchtown Fire Department.

James G. Nielsen

April 1, 1938 - February 28, 2022

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James G. Nielsen

April 1, 1938 - February 28, 2022

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