James Duke Nielsen, 72, of American Fork, Utah, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his loving family, after a fierce and brave three-week battle against Covid. Affectionately known as Jim, Shoe, and Jimmy Duke – to name a few – he is also known to us as a husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, our hero and our rock.

Jim was born July 21, 1949, to the late Helen Page Nielsen and Jimmy F. Nielsen, in Spanish Fork, Utah. He was the third of four children: older sister, Pat; brother, Mike (Camille); and younger brother, Rick (Jodi). Jim was also a brother to Dan (Pennie) Nielsen, son of Jimmy F. and Joy Jensen Nielsen.

Jim was a graduate of Spanish Fork High School and Brigham Young University. He served in the Utah Army National Guard from 1968-1974, during the Vietnam Conflict. Jim finally ended his bachelor days, at age 30, when he reconnected with a childhood classmate, Janice England, in 1979. They married in Provo, Utah, on May 14, 1981, and Jim became a stepdad to two amazing kids, Aimie and Wade Richards. Jim and Janice went on to add two more children, Amberly and Ashley.

Born and raised in Spanish Fork, Jim knew everyone, and everyone knew him. Stories of his teenage years in the 60’s and young adulthood in the 70’s were legend and we were continually telling him he needed to write a book. We loved hearing his tales, even if he had to edit them from time to time, depending on the content and his audience.

Jim was a carpenter for many years, before building Jim’s Texaco in Spanish Fork,  which he operated for over 30 years. He worked day and night, holidays, and weekends to provide a life for his family to be proud of. And although he no longer runs it, when you ask someone to meet you at Jim’s Texaco, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.

Jim was the epitome of selflessness. He served endlessly and expected nothing in return. He believed a job worth doing was worth doing well. He was full of life, funny, creative, a perfectionist, and the life of the party. The hardest worker and ever the dreamer, he was a friend to all and enemy to none. The life and legacy he has provided his family is unmatched and will never be forgotten.

An amazing dad and fun grandpa, the memories we have with him, and of him, are too many to count. RZR rides in St. George and up Tibble Fork … letting us drive the golf cart … laying by the pool and working on his tan … Yimmy … trips to Hawaii, Europe, Carlsbad and Mexico … helping kids with numerous home improvement projects and making sure we read the directions … walking the track … avid golfer … books … black coffee … Cotton Candy … Double Del Burger … Forrest Gump … classic rock … The Doors … Seinfeld … take this quarter … corn on the cob … butterscotch LifeSavers … concerts to see Journey, Steve Miller Band, and Creedence Clearwater … jet skiing … Corvettes … shootin’ the breeze on the deck … Come on over … the more, the merrier … What we doing, boys and girls? … hugs … and, sure do love ya.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan; children: Aimie (Jodie) Mattinson, Amberly (Larren) Kingsford, Ashley (Kaid) Clark; 9 grandkids; and brothers: Mike, Rick, and Dan. He is preceded in death by his son, Wade; mother, father, and sister.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Jim at American Fork Hospital and Utah Valley Hospital. The outpouring of love from those that knew and loved him have only reiterated what we already knew about him. We will forever remember our hero, storyteller, legend, husband, father, and Guardian Angel.

All are welcome to attend a graveside celebration of life, and burial, will be held on Saturday afternoon, October 2, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the American Fork Cemetery. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs.