Jim and Margot Nelson

September 20, 2014

James “Jim” Burdette Nelson, 80, formerly of Des Moines, IA and Mason City died on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Plano, TX. Per his wishes he was cremated. Margot Bruner Nelson, born May 22, 1923, Grand Junction, Colorado, died Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Plano, TX. Per her wishes she was cremated. A Memorial Service for Jim and Margot Nelson will be held at 3:00 pm with a one hour prior visitation on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, 21 3rd St NW, Rockford. Reverend Judy Wooton will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. Jim was born on October 4, 1933 to Martin and Hazel (McElwain) Nelson in Hard Scratch, IA. He grew up in Rockford, IA and graduated from Rockford High School. On February 5, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marguerite Lawrence in Chicago, IL. To this union three children were born. Jim and Marguerite later separated. On March 18, 1976 he was united in marriage to Margot (Bruner) Chastain. They resided for most of their marriage in Des Moines, moving to Texas several years ago. After high school Jim attended Simpson College, the University of Chicago, and Des Moines Area Community College. He graduated with a two year degree from DMACC. Jim worked for many years as a Systems Analyst for the Department of Natural Resources. When he wasn’t working he liked to spend time doing what he loved, which was playing piano. Jim learned how to play the piano at a young age and lived his life as a musician. Many years ago he played at the Holiday-Inn Piano Bar in Mason City and was a member of several local bands. Throughout his life he collected sheet music and unusual instruments. Music was his love and passion in life. Margot was born May 22, 1923 in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was a master homemaker and found joy in gardening, music, and researching family history. Mrs. Nelson was a lifelong learner and had a strong sense of compassion. She lived most of her adult life in Des Moines, Iowa. She was married to her husband, James B. Nelson, for 37 years. They shared a love of music and do-it-yourself home maintenance. Jim and Margot are survived by their children; Jim’s children: Mary Duggan of Mason City, David Nelson of Ames, IA and Sven (Rose) Nelson of Marble Rock, IA and Margot’s children: Paul (Lonna) Chastain of Boise City, OK, Suzan Chastain of Falls Church, VA, Katheryn (Randy) Dudley of Albuquerque, NM and Mary (Doug) Shoaf of Lake Oswego, OR; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; Jim’s sister, Dorothy North; Jim’s special friend, Philis Courtney; and several other family members including cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marguerite Nelson; father-in-law, Clarence Bruner; brother-in-law, James North; and son-in-law, Terry Warner. Margot was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 302 West Main, Rockford, Iowa 50468 641-756-3311, www.Fullertonfh.com