WINTERPORT, MAINE - James d’Invilliers Neilson, formerly of Gladwyne and Chester Springs, PA, and Dover, MA, died peacefully on June 8, 2022, in Presque Isle, Maine. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, August 6, 1953.
Jim grew up on Philadelphia's Main Line. He attended The Booth School and Staunton Military Academy and graduated from Downingtown High School. He studied at The Philadelphia College of Art and The Boston Architectural College.
Jim was passionate about his country, serving six years with the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, a unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He reached the rank of corporal and was named a tank commander.
Jim spent summers in the Adirondacks, loving a wilderness area that had been preserved in part by the initiative of his great-grandfather. Jim also loved his time on remote Tuckernuck Island, off of Nantucket.
Jim was a talented artist and craftsman. He was passionate about historic preservation, working on period restorations in Valley Forge and Gettysburg. He established a cabinet-making business in Phoenixville.
Jim loved animals. In Maine, he rescued Maia, an Alaskan Malamute. They remained inseparable until Maia's death in 2021. Jim also enjoyed restoring guns. He became a member of the Buck Mill Rod & Gun Club, where he spent many days as a volunteer.
Jim entered hospice in December, 2021. In his final days he received comfort from family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Shea d’Invilliers Neilson, his daughter-in-law, Julie Neilson, and four grandchildren: Hailey, Pierce, Payton and Sawyer. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Leech Neilson; two brothers, Lewis Levick Neilson, Jr., and William Henry Neilson; five sisters: Nina Christiansen, Barbara Gallen, Sallie Gnau, Sandra Burns, and Jane Langner; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Lewis Levick Neilson, Sr.
A life celebration will be held at High Noon, Saturday, August 27, at the Bucks Mill Rod & Gun Club, 180 West Side Drive, Verona Island, ME.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Bucks Mill Rod & Gun Club or the Bangor Humane Society.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Neilson, please visit our flower store.
Jim grew up on Philadelphia's Main Line. He attended The Booth School and Staunton Military Academy and graduated from Downingtown High School. He studied at The Philadelphia College of Art and The Boston Architectural College.
Jim was passionate about his country, serving six years with the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, a unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He reached the rank of corporal and was named a tank commander.
Jim spent summers in the Adirondacks, loving a wilderness area that had been preserved in part by the initiative of his great-grandfather. Jim also loved his time on remote Tuckernuck Island, off of Nantucket.
Jim was a talented artist and craftsman. He was passionate about historic preservation, working on period restorations in Valley Forge and Gettysburg. He established a cabinet-making business in Phoenixville.
Jim loved animals. In Maine, he rescued Maia, an Alaskan Malamute. They remained inseparable until Maia's death in 2021. Jim also enjoyed restoring guns. He became a member of the Buck Mill Rod & Gun Club, where he spent many days as a volunteer.
Jim entered hospice in December, 2021. In his final days he received comfort from family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Shea d’Invilliers Neilson, his daughter-in-law, Julie Neilson, and four grandchildren: Hailey, Pierce, Payton and Sawyer. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Leech Neilson; two brothers, Lewis Levick Neilson, Jr., and William Henry Neilson; five sisters: Nina Christiansen, Barbara Gallen, Sallie Gnau, Sandra Burns, and Jane Langner; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Lewis Levick Neilson, Sr.
A life celebration will be held at High Noon, Saturday, August 27, at the Bucks Mill Rod & Gun Club, 180 West Side Drive, Verona Island, ME.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Bucks Mill Rod & Gun Club or the Bangor Humane Society.
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors