born 11/5/1923 in Tulsa, Okla died 3/5/2013 in Mesa, Az
Jim grew up in Sinclair, Wyoming, was an Eagle Scout as a boy, and graduated from Rawlins High School in 1942.
Enlisted in the Navy Dec 1942, served as a Pharmacist Mate First Class in WWII, assigned to the USS Grimes, attack transport (APA 172) supporting the invasion at Iwo Jima.
Graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1950, degree in Pre Med. Captain of the swim team in 1947 and 48. Too many swimming titles to mention, but includes First Place in Rocky Mountain Athletic Association Free Style and Backstroke Relay 1948 and Mountain States All Conference Champion in the 220 and 440 Free Style 1949.
1951 Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant US Army Reserve, retired as a Colonel in 1983. Jim’ guard duty included battery commander of the Rawlins unit, executive officer of the Second Howitzer battalion; logical and supply officer for the 115th Artillery group, selective service and in the administrative support of headquarters staff. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1971. Jim designed the emblem adopted by the Wyoming National Guard Association from a field of several entries.
1961 Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #609; Fifty plus year member of VFW post no. 2311, served as commander.
Jim entered employment at the Sinclair Refinery in August 1951 where he was the safety director for the refinery as well as the fire marshall. He had the responsibility in supervisory training and plant security. Jim was a professional member of the American Society of Safety Engineers and was a certified Safety Professional. Jim retired as Safety engineer for Sinclair Oil Refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming on December 1, 1978.
In 1963 Jim was presented with the National Ski Patrol Yellow Merit Star award
Jim served 12 years on the Board of Trustees of the Carbon County Memorial Hospital.
1978, appointed by Governor Ed Herschler to the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees.
In retirement, Jim was the Town Historian for the Parco/Sinclair Museum, helping establish the museum as listed on the National Register of Historic Places, #250.
Jim was an avid collector of Indian art, most of which was donated to the University of Wyoming Art Museum, establishing a collection in his name titled Spirit of the Hopi.
He was also a gourmet cook, volunteering to cook meals for the VA and the Boy Scouts, as well as being a benefactor of numerous charitable organizations, with a special focus on Native Americans and children worldwide.
Jim is survived by two sisters: Helen Rubrecht, Ft Wayne, Indiana; Marianne (John) Blue, Bradenton, Fla; and a brother, Dan (Marilyn) Nolan, Bradenton, Fla, as well as numerous nieces, and nephews and their offspring. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Harvey Nolan and Helen Hankey Nolan and his brothers, Michael Joseph Nolan and Tom Patrick Nolan.
A humble man whose adventurous life inspires all who knew and loved him, he will be greatly missed.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18