James Edward Nolen was born on March 1, 1937 in Quinlan, Texas to parents Edward Hint and Ira Sue (Bennett) Nolen and entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2018 at the age of 81. James graduated from Riley High School in Dallas, Texas. He was employed as a welder for 40 years with Austin Brothers Steel. After his retirement James drove a school bus for Mabank ISD. James was a jokester and loved pushing buttons. He was outgoing, but also liked his privacy. James loved his grandchildren and spending time with his family. He enjoyed the outdoors; camping, fishing, horseback riding and working in his vegetable garden. James loved sports, hockey and water skiing. He also enjoyed going to the track, his race car was #7. James was a member of the Odd Fellows. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. James will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
James was preceded in death by his parents, half-brother John Simmons and his wife Wanda Simmons, grandparents Milton and Myrtle Nolen, nephews; Jackie Donaldson, Mark Simmons, Jimmy Don Adams, James Allen Adams and Glenn Simmons.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Shirley Nolen of Payne Springs, son Tommy Nolen and wife Lenita of Canton, daughter Darlene Nix and husband Lynn of Mabank, grandson Bill Nolen and wife Christi, grandson Keith Nolen and wife Mandy, grandson Jerry Nix, granddaughter Kandy Nix, great-grandchildren; Lathan, Abby, Tanner, Payten, Kahne, Karter, Mason and Grayson, sister Thelma Donaldson of Athens, nieces and nephews; Crystal Donaldson, Rhonda Donaldson, Britain Donaldson, Gregg Adam, Larry Simmons, Vicki Simmons, Terry Simmons, other loving family members and many more friends.
