James Nicholas Fennell Jr.

James N. "Nick" Fennell, Jr., 66, of Yorktown, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 1 peacefully after a long illness. He is preceded in death by his father, James N. Fennell, Sr., his mother, Mavis D. Fennell and his sister, Judy Marshall.

Nick was born in Wilson, North Carolina, on May 31, 1946. After graduating from Hampton High School in 1964, he attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia. In the early 1970s, Nick worked for C & O Railroad before joining the International Longshoremen's Association Local 862 in 1977, where he worked as a checker and clerk until his retirement in 2005. He also managed his own custom fence and deck-building business, Nick Fennell General Contracting, during the 1980s and 90s.

Nick was known for his kind heart, generous spirit, tireless work ethic, as well as his love of fishing and NASCAR car racing. He was very dedicated to his family, including his daughter Kerry Machen of Yorktown, and daughter Jennie Thede and son-in-law Mark Thede of Portland, Ore. He also adored his grandchildren, Trey and Logan Machen and Veronica Thede.

The family would like to thank Nick's loyal friends Richard Woody, Jimmy Cash, Mike Johnson and Fred Ardis who provided absolute support, comfort, humor and generosity during his illness and throughout his life. The family would also like to thank the caring staff at Mary Immaculate Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to the American Heart Association.

Friends and loved ones are invited to attend a memorial service at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.