James "Jim" Roderick Nelson

It is with deep sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, James “Jim” Roderick Nelson, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Northside Community Guest Home, at the age of 73.

Born in Sydney Mines on October 26, 1952, Jim was the son of the late Willis and Lillian (Potter) Nelson.

Jim was a softspoken person and had the gift to connect and socialize well with others. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed his tea and sweets.  Jim was an avid volunteer, and gave much of his time to Haley Street Adult Services Center Society in North Sydney. He was employed with Devco for 28 years as a coal miner, and also worked for CBRM By-Laws. He ended his working career serving as a Commissionaire.

Left to mourn his passing is his son Andrew (Stacey) Nelson and daughter Dana (Brian) Young, his two grandchildren Connor and Oliver; his brothers Michael, David and Jack; his sisters Christina Billard, Kathy Nelson and Mary Louise Thomson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim loved his fur babies George and Sadie.

Besides his parents, James was predeceased by his wife Valerie (McArthur) Nelson in April, 2025.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Jim at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital; Dr. Erica DeClemente, and the staff at the Northside Community Guest Home. A very special thank you to all our family and friends who supported and cared for dad. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in memory of him to Haley Street, North Sydney.

Visitation for Jim will be held from 9-11 am, Monday, December 1, 2025, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Deacon David Lewis officiating and burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary.

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