JAMES T. NIELSEN

February 24, 1962 – December 8, 2024

'IF'

IF you are reading this now, it means that my tired heart decided it was time to quit beating, on or about December 1, 2024.

IF you knew my fascination with recurring numbers, you will realize that I was 62 years old, I was born in 1962, and I lost my beloved mother when she too, was 62 years old. The number 24 appears in both my birth and death dates.

IF you thought of me as your friend, I am grateful beyond measure.

IF you were kind to me in high school, I have never forgotten your name, your words, your actions or your helping hand.  Perhaps you knew that I was the only one of my immediate family to obtain a High School Diploma?  Cheers to the BHS Class of 1980!

IF you shared a meal with me, welcomed me into your home, or included me in a family celebration, know that I treasured and spoke of those memories often.

IF you gave me a job because I was loyal, punctual, and dedicated, know that it was the highlight of my life. Early employment at Lisa's Lamplighter and Jet Car Wash set the stage for my 20 year career with Hertz and Avis as a Rental Car Agent at Bert Mooney Airport. Here I found lasting friendships and an appreciation for my favorite pens, my beautiful penmanship, and my excellent customer service.

IF you were one of my "Avon Ladies" please know that I delighted in sharing new products with you, and being able to "sit and visit." Your support throughout two decades allowed me to repeatedly earn coveted awards and prestigious national recognition within the company.  My mother, Carol, was a top seller also, and together we made quite the team.

IF you reached out to me when my mother died in 2002, you truly understood my devastation, abandonment, and sense of hopelessness for the future. She was my ROCK, my role model, my biggest cheerleader and my stability. Together we loved all things Christmas, especially Hallmark Ornaments and Coca-Cola Memorabilia. She and my Grandmother taught me everything I knew about cooking, baking, and living and surviving the insensitivities of the real world. Both would have supported my PRIDE affiliation.

IF you asked me my favorite meal, it would have to be savory Safeway Fried Chicken and mashed potatoes, accompanied by a Coca-Cola served in a frosted Coke glass from the freezer.

IF you knew me well, you knew that I had an uncanny affinity for recalling precise dates, numbers, events and people. Some found that annoying; others were in awe. It was both a blessing and a curse to me as I found my mind constantly obsessing over details. I was consumed with writing things down; I could have easily wall-papered my entire home with bits of paper covered by my endless penned notes.

IF you took the time to engage in a conversation with me, I hope it was meaningful, even if I was accusatory, obtrusive, short-sighted, or abrupt.

IF you eventually found my obsessive, repetitive ramblings or paranoia annoying, I now understand your hesitancy and frustration about maintaining a friendship, or taking my phone call.

IF you were still patient with me over and over, and were persistent regarding my well-being, I can only THANK YOU FOR NOT GIVING UP ON ME.

IF you caught me on a good day, I hope I was able to be the BEST version of ME!

IF you could write my life story, it would not be complete without mentioning my unwavering love affair with older cars, especially my Monte Carlos. Dispersing those cars in 2023 and selling my mom's home with 60 years of my memories, was the second hardest time in my life.

IF you made it possible for me to have dreams of a new home and a new life, thank you for the gift of HOPE. Although my mind worked overtime, my failing heart could not keep up with the rigors of making that final move.

IF you responded to the 911 Call and found me deceased, I thank you for treating the situation with dignity and respect. Butte Silver Bow has an amazing, very impressive group of young adults on staff who took exceptional care at the scene and above all, calmed my frightened dog.

IF we shared a love of animals and supported a "no kill" policy at the animal shelter, then you will be happy to know that my beloved puppy, my faithful friend and constant companion, has already been adopted by a very nice family.

IF you have been misunderstood and mistreated by others for your uniqueness, I hope you will find a support system in your future. Stay strong --- life is not kind to the tenderhearted, the soft spoken, and those who struggle with their differences.

IF you can choose to be anything in the world, BE KIND, and live by the GOLDEN RULE.

IF you find someone to grow old with you and share in your journey through life, treasure and nurture that relationship by staying healthy both physically and mentally --- so you can care for those you love.

No services are scheduled at this time