Jim at the Norcafe Farm
Michigan Floral Association is saddened to share the news that James O. “Jim” Nordlie passed away late Friday afternoon, July 1, with his family by his side. He was 93 years old.
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 and wife Nancy at his MFF Hall of Fame dinner
Jim was honored with induction into the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) Hall of Fame on September 20th, 2011. You can read more about Jim and his induction here. 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 visiting with Chinese Officials
Jim had the opportunity to return to China and visit with Chinese Officers.