Dennis James Nielsen

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Dennis James Nielsen—known to most simply as “Jim”—on the evening of Friday, September 5, 2025, in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. He was 75 years old.

Jim was born on September 26, 1949, in Denver to Leonard Goodman Nielsen and Mary Louise Nielsen. He was the second of three boys and spent his entire life rooted in Colorado. From a young age, he worked alongside his father at the family printing company, sweeping floors and setting type—lessons in hard work and dedication that would shape the rest of his life.

A graduate of South High School, Jim briefly attended the University of Colorado where he played the trumpet in the marching band before serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Mission. Upon returning, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Jody. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on July 22, 1971. Over the next 54 years, Jim and Jody built a beautiful life together, raising six children: Greg, Jon, Jeff, Erica, Adam, and Spencer.

After a year at BYU, Jim and Jody moved to Denver, where he worked in his father’s printing shop for six years. He then resumed his college education at Metropolitan State College, earning a degree in Accounting just three months after the birth of their fourth child.

Jim started working for Jerry Luber’s CPA firm right out of college. He eventually became a partner and worked there for 20 years. When his partner passed away, he decided to start his own firm. He eventually retired in 2021. What he loved most about his job, was his clients and the relationships he built with them.

He was a devoted provider and tireless learner, known for his deep love of gospel study. His bookshelves were always full, and his heart even more so. He loved the temple. He was a temple ordinance worker in the Denver Temple since it opened in October 1986.

Jim had a gift for making people feel truly seen. He cherished one-on-one conversations and had a gentle way of making others feel valued, loved, and understood. He was a beloved presence at family gatherings—especially the annual Brimhall reunions—where his ghost stories captivated the imaginations of children and teens alike.

A man of many curiosities and simple joys, Jim delighted in gadgets, pens, radios, watches, jokes, and magic.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Sylvia Ann Nielsen “Jody”, their five children: Greg (Courtney), Jon (Claudia), Jeff (Amy), Erica (J.J.) Hamblin, Spencer (Andrea); 14 grandchildren, and his brother Dave Nielsen. He was preceded in death by his parents: Leonard Goodman Nielsen, Mary Louise Nielsen, his brother Leonard Gary Nielsen, and an infant son, Adam Christian Nielsen.

He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to bless and inspire all who knew him.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 13th, from 9:30-10:30am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 910 W. Ridge Road, Littleton, CO 80120. For those unable to attend in person, please check back here for a link to participate virtually.

Jim will be buried at Littleton Cemetery, 6155 S. Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 at 1pm, immediatly following the service at the Church.