Jim graduated from Cooley High in Detroit. After attending Wayne State University for 2 years, he and 3 of his friends enlisted in the service. Dad started off in the Navy and then became a Marine Aviator. Our daddy was a bad-ass, he was a Marine fighter pilot in the first generations of jets.
While stationed at El Toro Marine Base in California, he went to visit the family of his high school friend Milton Kevershan. Milt was one of the friends he enlisted with. While there he also reconnected with Milt’s little sister Patty. Jim and Patty hit it off and were married in 1956 and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage.
Kathy was born while Jim was still a pilot. Deb was born in 2 years later, just after Jim got out of the Marines. Craig was born soon after and then the family was complete.
After the Marines, Jim had a long career at Hughes Aircraft Co. He started as a clerk while attending night school at Cal State Northridge. After earning his B.A. in Business Administration he went into human resources. He retired as Director of Human Resources and Facilities.
Jim had a love of boats that started with a ski boat when the kids were young. After they all flew the coop, he got a sailboat, which he enjoyed immensely. He and Patty were members of the Buccaneer Yacht Club in San Pedro, CA and made many lifelong friends there.
After Jim retired they bought a fifth-wheel and started traveling, often with members of the yacht club. Jim and Patty were very active during those years traveling, square dancing and enjoying their grandkids. Jim was active in the Spokane Elks and with the Rambling Elks RV Club.
After Patty passed in 2004, Jim became close to Ida Martin. We are grateful for the years that Jim and Ida had together. We are still close to her family – Clarice and Stuart Paddleford.
Jim is survived by his 3 children – Kathy (Duane) Nansel, Deb (Shawn) Carney, and Craig (Teresa) Hogan. 9 grandchildren – Brian, Shannon, Kevin & Erin Nansel; Michael Notrica, Sara Mora, & James Notrica; John & Adam Hogan. 13 ½ great grandchildren – James, Seth, Hope, Shane, Levi, Forrest, Sawyer, Caidynce, Chloe, Caylee, Penelope, Ashley, James. Baby Isaac is due in July.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of Spokane, Wounded Warrior Project, or the Charity of your choice in Jim’s name.
Graveside service April 12th at 12:30 PM.
Celebration of Life 2:00-5:00 at True Legends in Liberty Lake
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