James Niesen passed away April 25 in The Villages.
Jim was born on August 14, 1926 in Chicago to Thomas and Helen Niesen, he was one of 5 children. He grew up in Edison Park, Illinois. Jim proudly served his country in France in WWII. He met his bride Pauline in 1949 in Rochester, Minnesota. They married on October 14, 1950 and had 5 children. They moved to Rolling Meadows, Ill, a suburb of Chicago and were founding members of both Rolling Meadows and St Colette’s Catholic Church. He loved playing golf, was active in his community serving on the police commission and as an alderman. He was a reader and Eucharistic minister at church. Jim’s career began in the family printing business, setting type and running presses.
When he retired at ago 70, he was the Executive Director of the Binding Industries of America and Executive Vice President of Printing Industries of Illinois.
He and Pauline moved to The Villages Florida in 2002 where they enjoyed golf, evenings at the square and great friends. Jim never met a stranger. Everyone was a friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his jokes. He would say he had a fantastic mind for worthless information. Jim’s greatest pleasure was his wife, children, grandchildren and his many friends. He was a mentor to many, an adviser to some and a friend to all.
Jim is survived by his wife, Pauline and his five children, Reverend Marianne Niesen (Rev. Lyle Hamilton), Mike Niesen (Melissa Crenshaw), Tom Niesen (Sherri), Laura Vargas (John) and Kathie Niesen (Joe Hargett). His grandchildren Travis Trapp, Kayla Niesen, Brandi Niesen, Jim Niesen (Pamela), Jared Vargas, Rev. Kama Hamilton Morton (Doug), Dr. Kaleb Hamilton (Kimra), Jessica Boyd and five great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 13th, 2021 at 10 AM at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Summerfield, Florida. Interment will follow with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida
We will celebrate his amazing life on Sunday, May 16 at the Savannah Center in The Villages from 2:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd’s Lighthouse, Belleview, Florida, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.