James P. Nissen, 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Escalon on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, after an extended illness.
He was born in Hayward, CA on May 5, 1947 and he and his family moved to Escalon when he was in the fourth grade. He attended Van Allen grammar school and Escalon High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was proud to serve his country as a Navy Seabee. He bravely served in Vietnam for 13 months, earning various medals.
After an honorable discharge, Mr. Nissen went to work for the State of California Department of Water Resources at the Delta Field Division. He started as a heavy equipment operator in Civil Maintenance, working his way up to become a Hydro-electric and geothermal plant maintenance mechanic. He was known for his excellent work ethics and practical jokes, and worked there for 40 years.
In 1971 he married Pamela Vesia from Escalon, and in 1974 their son Lars was born. He was a loving husband, father and brother. The family of three went on many fun vacations together, including a cruise to Mexico and a cruise to Alaska.
Mr. Nissen was a proud member of the American Legion in Escalon, Post 263, serving as a commander for several years. He served as Commander for American Legion District 11 for year 2001-2002. When he became ill, he never complained, even after being totally confined to bed in the last year of his life. He was always trying to help his caregivers, wife Pam and dear friend Debbie Smith.
Survivors include his wife Pamela; his son Lars (Karen); grandson Tyler Hill; sister, Suzanne Bristow; brothers Peter Nissen (Melda), Dana Nissen (Grace), Nels Nissen (Michelle), and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 9.
Remembrances can be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356, or Escalon Community Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 212, Escalon, CA, 95320.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 14, 2012
He was born in Hayward, CA on May 5, 1947 and he and his family moved to Escalon when he was in the fourth grade. He attended Van Allen grammar school and Escalon High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was proud to serve his country as a Navy Seabee. He bravely served in Vietnam for 13 months, earning various medals.
After an honorable discharge, Mr. Nissen went to work for the State of California Department of Water Resources at the Delta Field Division. He started as a heavy equipment operator in Civil Maintenance, working his way up to become a Hydro-electric and geothermal plant maintenance mechanic. He was known for his excellent work ethics and practical jokes, and worked there for 40 years.
In 1971 he married Pamela Vesia from Escalon, and in 1974 their son Lars was born. He was a loving husband, father and brother. The family of three went on many fun vacations together, including a cruise to Mexico and a cruise to Alaska.
Mr. Nissen was a proud member of the American Legion in Escalon, Post 263, serving as a commander for several years. He served as Commander for American Legion District 11 for year 2001-2002. When he became ill, he never complained, even after being totally confined to bed in the last year of his life. He was always trying to help his caregivers, wife Pam and dear friend Debbie Smith.
Survivors include his wife Pamela; his son Lars (Karen); grandson Tyler Hill; sister, Suzanne Bristow; brothers Peter Nissen (Melda), Dana Nissen (Grace), Nels Nissen (Michelle), and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 9.
Remembrances can be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356, or Escalon Community Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 212, Escalon, CA, 95320.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 14, 2012
