At the time, Neilson brought an abundance of experience and leadership to what was one of the youngest NHL rosters in the league and was a welcome addition to the Seals' blue line.

He was paired up on defense with George Pesut, a young and highly talented, but inexperienced defenseman playing in his first NHL season.

Neilson's experience and mentoring were a driving force for Pesut to grow his talent, which he outlines in his upcoming memoir, "The Fourth Period: Between The Ice Sheets".

[4][5] Jim Neilson was an avid sportsman, including being a talented baseball player during the Saskatchewan summers, he enjoyed fishing and was also an excellent golfer.

After his hockey career as a player ended, he briefly scouted for the Edmonton Oilers, before moving to California for a business opportunity.

In 1983, he relocated back to Winnipeg, Manitoba, taking up such causes as advancing the interests of indigenous peoples, continuing to play oldtimer hockey, and spending time traveling to see his children and grandchildren.