James "Jim" Edward Nissen

James (Jim) Edward Nissen of Anaconda, Montana passed away on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at the age of 73. Jim is survived by his twin daughter’s Kristine Elsie Martinez (Josh) and Maureen Margret Levas (Ernie) and grandchildren Everleigh, Finleigh, Sawyer, and Sloan. His partner Luella Kennedy and her daughters Melina and Nicole. His brother Don Nissen (Kandee), Nephew Cory Nissen (Erica) and great niece and nephew Peyton and Connor; his brother Bill Nissen and niece’s Chloe and Carly. James is preceded in death by his Mother Eunice Bernadette Buck, and Father Charles Edward Nissen. Jim was born in Chicago on November 21, 1950. He grew up in Island Lake, Illinois. He was a Boy Scout and certified scuba diver. He quickly found his love for the outdoors and fishing. He graduated from Wauconda High school in 1968. In January of 1980 he fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to Montana with his then wife, Kathy. They purchased a log home in Deer Lodge on 40 acres.  Jim used his carpentry skills to finish the inside of their log home. He did a beautiful job. He found work as a ranch hand for the Simon Ranch in Butte, working for Leonard and Otto Simon. Jim was treated like family and enjoyed all that was involved working on a Ranch in Beautiful Montana, He loved horses and was a true cowboy. In January of 1984, Jim and Kathy welcomed twin daughters. He then went on to get certified as a heavy equipment operator and licensed crane operator. In the early 90’s Jim was hired by the Anaconda/Deer Lodge County Highway Department where worked for over 20 years until he retired. He had many jobs but his favorite one was being up in the mountains grading the dirt roads. As a dear friend once said “since he retired the roads will never be as good as when Jim did them. They were perfect.” Jim loved his annual Alaska trips with his dear friends. Jim and Lu spent many happy hours rock hounding in the beautiful foothills of Montana. His hobbies included his love for firearms, and he had the best of the best! He loved his red Ford pickup trucks, he had several. He loved hunting and fishing and loved the friendships he formed in Anaconda. They were his family. God bless this sweet soul who touched so many.

Private services will be held at a later date.

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Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jim and his family.