In Memoriam: James O. “Jim” Nordlie
Jim was a lifelong supporter of the Michigan Floral Association. He also served as President of WF&FSA from 1966 through 1968 and was honored with the Leland T. Kintzele (LTK) Award in 1988 in recognition of his service to the industry and community.
Jim was honored with induction into the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) Hall of Fame on September 20th, 2011. Some of the more special photos at the award banquet showed Jim in his P-51 Mustang aircraft that he flew over northern China during WWII. In an article about Mr. Nordlie’s war experience, he was quoted as saying, “Our work was all low level, mostly dive bombing and strafing — bridges, rail yards, airdromes, warehouses, and military installations. Besides “ground fire,” our biggest problems were bad weather, mountains, dust storms, lack of navigational aids, and shortages of fuel.”
Jim had the opportunity to return to China and visit with Chinese Officers.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy and his two children, James Nordlie and Nancy Nordlie. He is also survived by his step-son, Howard (Susan) Wells, granddaughter, Emily (Ryan) Thrall, great-granddaughter, Taylor, Niece, Carolyn Louise, and many other cherished nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 355 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009. Date and time are still pending.
Condolences to the family can be written here.