Captain James "Jim" Nienstedt

Captain James “Jim” Nienstedt, USMC, Retired, 91, of Smyrna, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023, at the Croatan Ridge Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Gethsemane Memorial Park. (See the link below for the Service Bulletin.)

Jim was born on January 9, 1932, in Queens, New York. In 1951, he began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, retiring in 1973.

Jim was married to Fran Nienstedt for 70 years, raising three sons during their years as a traveling military family. After retirement, they remained in Havelock where Jim began a career with the City, serving two terms as a City Commissioner. Both Jim and Fran were active in local bowling leagues and were supporters of local youth baseball.

He is survived by two sons, James F. Nienstedt Jr (Vermadel) of Williston and Kenneth W. Nienstedt of Havelock; granddaughters, Christina Marie Priddy and Megan Renee Pavy (Charles); great-grandchildren, Vicktoria Christine Suman, Charly Marie Priddy, Alyssa Nicole Hall, Addison Paige Pavy, Haleigh Elizabeth Pavy, Cameron John Pavy; and great-great-grandchildren, Braxton Khai Morris and Ruby Suman.

Jim was preceded in death by Fran and their youngest son John F. Nienstedt.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75816, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Online condolences can be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.