James "Jim" L. Nolan Jr.

It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, James L. Nolan, Jr. Jim passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on January 22, 1943 to the late Army Colonel James L. Nolan Sr. and Mary Jane (McCann) Nolan. The family traveled extensively, following the military path of their father. Years-long stays in Germany and Okinawa left Jim with wonderful memories of his many adventures in these far off places.

After his father’s military career came to a close, the family settled in Columbus, Ohio. During that time, Jim was appointed to Officer’s Candidate school at West Point. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, he made the hard decision to follow the college path instead of the military life. He enrolled at The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in business.

Jim had a long and successful career in sales management, starting with Ohio Bell and retiring with AT&T, making many lifelong friends along the way. After retirement, Jim finally had the freedom to pursue his love of golf, playing at courses across the country.

He is preceded in death by his parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Nolan, McCann, Kelly and Eberst families, and sister-in-law Patricia Scotti.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Susan; the lights of his life, son and confidant James L. Nolan III of Los Angeles, California, beloved daughter Erin Smith and her husband and devoted son-in-law Brian of Upper Arlington, Ohio and adored granddaughters, Ella Jane and Abigail Adams Smith; steadfast brothers, Steve (Ellen) and Tom (Linda) and loving sister Mary Ann Thomas (Jeff); brother-in-law James Adams (Shirley); nieces Cassidy Nolan (Jared) and Heather James (Gavin). Nephews Brad Nolan (Heidi), Patrick Nolan (Paige), Michael Nolan (Meghan), Austin Solem (Kristi) and treasured cousin Tom Donovan (Patty).

Jim fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, keeping his signature sense of humor until the very end. Even though the disease robbed us of more time with him, his family will forever cherish so many wonderful memories of happier times, and he will be kept in our hearts forever.

Special thanks to The Gables of Westerville and his caregivers from Caring Touch, Craig, Hannah, Leslie and Nick, who brought love and laughter into Jim’s life while caring for his every need.

Family will receive friends on May 19, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Worthington, located at 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio. A mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, 1559 Roxbury Rd, Columbus, OH on Tuesday May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capital City Hospice who treated Jim and his family with care and compassion during the most difficult days. Special thanks to his dedicated Hospice aid Sheneil, who Jim lovingly said was the captain of his crew.