James Allen Nethers, was born on Feb 21, 1934, to Allen H Nethers and Martha (Betty) Nethers. Jim graduated from Newark HS in 1952 and went to work for Rockwell Heath. Where he met and married Glenna “Osborne” Nethers June 1953. He was called to Army duty and served at Ft Lewis in Washington, where he had a son, James Scott who died at birth. Came back and retired from Rockwell in 1982.
He loved camping and by time I was 9, had been in all 48 of Continental US. He bought a Golden Eagle pass and had camped literally in EVERY National Park in North America including Canada and Mexico. Later, travelled to Hawaii and Alaska.
He instilled in me his love for sports taking me to Indianapolis 500 time trials and race all throughout life starting when I was just 5 for 1st time. We made several pilgrimages every summer to Cincinnati, back in day of Big Red Machine, several playoff games throughout the years and World Series games. We often took friends as well. Grew up going to see Cincinnati Bengals from time they built Riverfront stadium until we moved, them to Florida and me to NC. We always attended HS basketball games throughout his lifetime and big supporter of Valley Sports. He enjoyed Nascar races and was thrilled to be seated at Start/finish line at Daytona 500 when Brett Favre was starter, and was in crowd talking with us.
His biggest love in life besides family was a passion for shooting. He was an avid gun collector during years and won many trap shooting trophies. He spent a couple weeks every year on a big working ranch in Wyoming going deer and antelope hunting. After they got their limits, they would brand cows and round up rattle snakes. He’s also been to Canada Moose hunting. He’s been several times Pennsylvania Deer hunting, but last year before moving to Florida, he got in Ohio Big Buck Club with his 21 point buck got right here on farm. He’d return to the farm with many stories and resume activities on our farm.
He lived a quite full life, never heard him speak ill of anyone. Had people over years say, “Does your Dad EVER get mad” Had to answer honestly. That big smile everyone always saw was genuine and only really seen him upset 2 times in my life, one I didn’t witness, but heard about and the other when I was really young and neighbor shot at our dog. Lord knows I gave him many reasons to challenge his temperament, but received very few spankings in my life from him and deserved so many more. He was a great man, not just in my opinion, but in reality, everyone agreed.
Dad came home to his farm, he loved with all his life to spend his last days. The only words he spoke while here those days was a small quiet strained, ‘I love you” to me when he recognized where he was and I was by his side. Dad loved his Lord and he left this earth with the most peaceful experience he could have. I was holding him, told him what a great Dad he’d been and thanked him for everything. I said, “Let’s pray.” I prayed the Lord to take his hand and told Dad to go with him. I’d cry but would be along shortly if he saw Mom and Ralph to hold their hands and go on. I said Amen. He took his last peaceful breath. Felt the angels in the room as he left July 28, 2020. I’m using this time to preach a little to anyone reading. It’s a LOT easier to bury someone you have NO doubt is with their Lord. If you don’t know him as your personal Savior, suggest you ask him in your heart right now. He loves us so! One day we will all see Him, and I want everyone to hear, “Enter my faithful servant” not “Go away from me, I never knew you” It’s all up to each of us. He welcomes us all with open arms, our choice to accept or reject.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Glenna, son, Scotty, his brother Ralph, Sister Barbara York, husband Paul York. He is survived by daughter, Pam Nethers, Sister Linda and husband Jim Hoskinson, and Sister in law Sharon Nethers. As well as many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and whole lot of cousins he loved and adored.
Family services will be held at Newark Church of Christ, with everyone invited out to his farm for a big Celebration of Life as well as Mom’s birthday.. as they are back together again at 2pm on August 16.
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