James Patrick Nolan

“A great man does not seek applause or place; he seeks for truth; he seeks the road to happiness, and what he ascertains, he gives to others.” Our great man, the most devoted and loved, James “Jim” Patrick Nolan, 72, of Huffman, Texas, passed away surrounded by his family on December 18, 2023.

Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 10, 1951 to James and MaryLou Nolan. He grew up in Painesville, Ohio, in a busy household that included a total of seven children.

Jim met the love of his life, Bev Nelson, at a Riverside High School dance in December of 1967, when they were just 15 and 16 years old, and they became inseparable. They were married at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord, Ohio, on November 11, 1972 and had their 4 children over the next 8 years. Shortly before the birth of their 4th child, they moved to Texas.

Jim and Bev devoted all of their energy to raising their children. They loved traveling the country through many road trips, camping trips, fishing trips, and family vacations. Many family memories started with the parking lot at a sporting event, the RV and car hooked up ready to roll as soon as the game ended.

Jim’s devotion to his family and his passion for spending time with them continued as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being Grampa. Whether it was joining them on trips, playing board games, exploring many national parks, teaching them how to fish, camping, watching tv, supporting them at their sporting events and band concerts, eating ice cream with them, or just talking, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.

Everyone who knew Jim knew how much he also loved his hobby of woodworking. He showed his love and talent by building toys, keepsakes, and even his own home in Ohio. He shared his woodworking with family and friends, building several sets of cabinets, building blocks, giant Jenga games, play kitchens, beds, desks, and the list goes on. Jim could build or fix anything; his craftsmanship was amazing.

Jim will always be remembered for the way he loved his wife and family and the way that he always made us a priority in his life. He was our anchor, always listening and sharing a wise thought. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father, and grandfather, and we will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him and were loved by him. May we all love as steadfastly as Jim did, finding our truth and happiness in those we love, and may we all be lucky enough to have a great man like him in our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and MaryLou Nolan and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beverly, their four children, daughter Cynthia (Ronald) Vitale, sons James (Jessica) Nolan, Stephen (Esperanza) Nolan, Mark (Geralyn) Nolan, and 11 grandchildren, Catherine, Mary Claire, Annabelle, Sophia, Evelyn, Gregory, Joaquin, Amelia, Eleanor, Madalyne, and Henry. He is also survived by sisters Kathleen, Carol (William), Marianne, brothers Paul, Daniel (Patricia), and Kevin (Valeria), and many, many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends.

A visitation for Jim will be held Thursday, January 4th, 2024, from 2pm to 3pm at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339, followed by a celebration of life from 3pm to 4pm.