Jim was a 1960 graduate of Young High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.
Born with a spirit of service and adventure, Jim proudly served his country as a United States Air Force Captain and pilot during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, he continued his dedication to national security through his work as a special agent with the FBI in Buffalo, New York which is where he became a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. Jim then returned to Knoxville to care for his mother and worked as Jim Clayton's personal pilot and accountant.
Jim ultimately found his long-term professional home at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he devoted over 30 years to work in top-level security, proudly contributing to international research and threat reductions. After retiring, he continued working for Gregg Protection Services traveling extensively to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia.
Though his career was impressive, Jim was always a country boy at heart. He found his greatest joy in simple, meaningful moments woodworking in his shop, fishing with his grandsons, tinkering on projects as the family’s “Mr. Fix It Man,” and working outdoors alongside his beloved son, Jimmy. A curious explorer, he was also an international traveler who never lost his sense of wonder.
Jim was an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills supporter and a loyal UT Vols fan, cheering on his teams with the same wholehearted spirit he brought to every part of his life. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Papa Jim,” a title he cherished most of all.
He was preceded in death by his father, James O.V. Nations Sr; mother, Frances Dacus Nations; nephew, Jason Loveday and brother-in-law, Steve Williamson.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Caldwell; son, James "Jimmy" O.V. Nations III; daughter, Angela Attaway (Robert);
step-son, Joe Caldwell (Victoria); step-daughter, Maggie Greve; grandchildren: Truman James Attaway, Fireman Dean Attaway US Navy, Alex Greve (Kristen), Jake Greve, Tori Caldwell, Audrey Caldwell; great-grandchildren: Margot Greve, Enid Greve; sisters, Linda Nations, Kathy Williamson; niece Kelley Easter (Eric) and many other extended family members.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, humor, and the quiet competence that made him the one everyone could depend on. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 4:00 PM.
Family and friends will meet Monday, December 8, 2025, at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, for a 12:30 PM Committal Service to honor his life and military service. Full Military Honors will be presented by East Tennessee Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation to help improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for veterans living with Parkinson's Disease. (5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126)
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Nations family at www.berryfuneralhome.com
