Canton Obituary: James Nikstad, 65

James Michael Nikstad, 65, of Winsted, husband of the late Patricia A. Nikstad, passed away Friday, November 17th, 2017 at his home.

Born in Hartford on June 22nd, 1952, he was the son of the late Clinton and Anna (Kohan) Nikstad. Early in Jim’s (Jimmy, Jimbo as some called him) career, he leased his 1978 GMC Astro cabover to Allstate Trucking, a division of P.I.E. (Pacific Intermountain Express) hauling on his 42’ aluminum Raven’s trailer filled with anything from Jet engines to Radiation equipment; from hand split fence railing to farm equipment and back hoes. He traveled from Maine to California, from Idaho to Colorado, and all over this beautiful country.

In the early 80’s Jim acquired local leasing rights. He hung up his over-the-road shoes and traded in his Astro for a Ford Tri-axle dump trunk. He began hauling local loads for Tomaso’s and helping his dad with his paving business. He then bought a Single Conventional Peterbilt and leased it to White and Son’s and hauled fuel oil and gasoline all over Connecticut.

In the 90’s, Jim yearned for the open-road again and purchased a new double wide Conventional Peterbilt complete with dropdown deck trailer and starting hauling loads all over the United States. In the 2000’s, Jim decided it was time to come home again and returned to Tri-axle hauling.

Jim was a very quiet and private man with a need for speed that started when he was an adolescent and continued late into his life; from riding motorbikes in and out of mud holes to his most recent joy of go carts, winning numerous trophies. Jim loved nothing more than the wind in his face while riding his Harley.

He loved going to watch the modifieds where ever he could and watching NASCAR racing. No matter where Jim went or what he did, his gentle presence touched everyone he met and left many lasting bonds and friendships. His passing will leave an everlasting void in our hearts that can only be filled with the memory of his endless smile and grace.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Tuesday (Dec. 19) at 10:00am in St. Patrick Church, Collinsville followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Collinsville.