JAMES FREDERICK NYLEN

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JAMES FREDERICK NYLEN

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Frederick Nylen on March 6, 2025, at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Benita, son James (Sarah), daughter Tracy (Jason), and his siblings, brother Reg (Sharon) and sister Marie (Larry). He is also survived by his nieces (Cindy, Marsha & Laura), nephew (Dean), grandchildren (Jaime, Trinity & Chase), cousins, and countless other family members and friends, all of whom will dearly miss him. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Stella and his nephew Scott.

Born in Erickson, Manitoba, on April 28, 1951, Jim was the second son of Arthur and Stella Nylen. His schooling consisted of Class A to grade 5 at the one room Otter Lake School which was one mile from home. He then went on to Erickson Elementary School and Erickson Collegiate.

Raised on the family farm, he learned the value of hard work and dedication from his father, skills he passed on to his own son. Together they ran the farm for many years, creating a lasting bond through their shared love of the land and the animals. Jim had a deep affection for horses, giving sleigh rides, going on trail rides while spending countless hours in the company of his family and friends. He was an avid camper, fisherman, and enjoyed Ranger rides while checking fences, the cattle herd or meeting up with friends for side-by-side trail riding and lunch.

A proud Norwegian, Jim held close the tradition of his heritage, often sharing meals of traditional foods with his loved ones. He was a man who found joy in the simple things, from watching sports – especially hockey, football, and curling – to spending winters traveling south with his siblings or exploring parts of the world with his devoted wife, Benita.

Jim was very involved within his community including the Erickson Lions Club, Erickson Lutheran Church Council, Bethel Lutheran Society and as councillor for the Rural Municipality of Clanwilliam from 1998 to 2014.

Known to many as “Big Jim,” he was as kind as he was strong. His infectious sense of humor, his warm smile, and his generosity of spirit made him a beloved figure to all who knew him.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held at Erickson Lutheran Church on March 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Bethel Lutheran Society, The Clanwilliam-Erickson Endowment Fund or a charity of your own choice in Jim’s memory.

Jim lived life to the fullest, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and the importance of family. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 22, 2025