James Nilsson

Funeral Recording

James Lynn Nilsson, our sweetheart, kind and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend peacefully returned to his Heavenly home on November 8, 2022.

Lynn was born on September 22, 1928 (a vintage year) in Eureka, Utah to William Leslie Nilsson and Mildred Irene Higginson.  He outlived his parents and all six of his siblings. At the age of one year, his family moved to Midvale Utah, where he grew up and attended school at Midvale Elementary, Midvale Jr. High and graduated from the old Jordan High School class of 1946. He also attended BYU and the University of Utah.

Lynn started working at a very young age at a neighbor’s farm which helped to establish his strong and dedicated work ethic. He was an apprentice carpenter, brick mason, and a perfectionist in construction skills. He worked in the aerospace industry at Hercules, Inc. for 30 years.

Lynn was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He fulfilled a mission to the California Mission where he travelled without purse or scrip for 18 months. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict for two years.

Lynn met his eternal sweetheart, Karen Archibald on a blind date in 1953. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and together they raised an amazing family of 6 children in “The House that Lynn Built” - a wonderful home in Cottonwood Heights where they lived for 57 incredible years and made many forever friendships. He spent countless hours grooming the beautiful yard and gardens that were enjoyed by so many friends and family. In 2014, Lynn and Karen re-located to Brookhaven Villas in Lehi, Utah to enjoy retirement with wonderful neighbors and friends.

Lynn served in numerous Church callings throughout his life. He especially loved working in the youth programs and as Bishop of the Butler 13th Ward. He served on the Stake High Council and later as a Church Service Missionary at the Conference Center with his wife Karen for 18 years.

Lynn was an avid sportsman! He played on softball, basketball and tennis teams and loved to hunt, fish and golf. He was a great supporter of BYU athletics, especially football and basketball.

Lynn is survived by his wife Karen, his children Jim (Deana), Jeff (Dianne), Brett (Marci), Mindy Francom (Paul), Greg (Carol) and Marnè Schreiner (Steve), his 32 amazing grandchildren and 60 wonderful great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Cottonwood Heights City Hall located at 2277 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 12:00 noon with a viewing from 10:45 to 11:45 am at the Lehi 23rd Ward located at 650 E. 3200 N. Lehi, UT.

The Nilsson family wishes to express gratitude to the many caregivers from CNS for their loving care and to Cannon Mortuary for their perfect assistance with the funeral and burial arrangements.

Services will be streamed and can be accessed at 11:50 a.m. the day of the service by clicking on the following link https://www.facebook.com/CannonMortuary You do not need a Facebook account to access the stream.