James Robert Nordeen's Obituary
James Robert Nordeen, age 70, passed away on December 28, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Villa in Salt Lake City, due to complications following a heart attack in Billings, Montana. He was born July 13th 1947 to Olive Aason and Homer Carlson in Waseca Minnesota. He graduated high school in Waseca in 1965. After graduation he traveled to California to pursue his interest of film making at the Hollywood Film School. He returned to Minnesota and began his studies at the University of Minnesota. Shortly after Jim was drafted and joined the Navy. He returned to his studies at the University and graduated with a teaching degree in 1974. He took his first job in Brockton, Montana teaching 4th grade. It was there that he met his wife Nancy Moore of Ashland Montana. The couple were married and moved to Gillette in 1977. Jim returned to school to get his Masters at the University of Wyoming. They had two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth born 1981 and Katherine Rose in 1989. Jim's greatest love was his family. He loved to travel and enjoyed time in the Black Hills with his wife, children and grandchildren. Jim also found great joy in teaching. He taught fourth grade, SEEK, Reading Recovering and coached Odyssey of the Mind. He had many interests in his life. He loved reading, history, and was passionate about music and cinema. He ran a dinosaur prep lab and paleontology group called the Fossil Finders and was an avid writer. Jim will be fondly remembered for his great kindness and his sense of humor.
Jim was proceeded in death by his Father Homer Carlson, Mother Olive Aason Stepfather Alvin Nordeen, and half-siblings: Dorothea Carlson Draz, Donald Carlson, Virginia Carlson Torntore, Richard Carlson, George Carlson and Frances Carlson Pfaff.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Moore Nordeen, daughters, Sarah (Anthony), Katie, and five grandchildren, Lillian, Micah, Rita, Olive and Thomas, and his sister Carolyn Nordeen. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 13 2018 at 4:00 at the Campbell County Senior Center in Gillette, Wy. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to wrens-song.com or a charity of your choice. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website: www.gillettememorialchapel.com
What’s your fondest memory of James ?
What’s a lesson you learned from James ?
Share a story where James 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?