In Loving Memory of

James R. Nance

"Jim"

James R. Nance "Jim", age 86, passed away the afternoon of May 9, 2024 in Spokane, WA.

Jim was born December 21, 1937 in Shobonier, Illinois to Tommy C. and Mable (Albert) Nance.  At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Ellensburg, WA. Where he would complete high school and then attend 3 years of college.  He met the love of his life, Barbara Mullin while in college.  The two were married in 1959 and would move to Kennewick, WA in 1960.  They welcomed three children – 2 daughters and a son into their family.

While living in Kennewick, Jim worked at Hanford Nuclear Plant as a chemist.  He served as a Volunteer Fireman in Franklin County and was an active member of the Elks and Masonic Lodges. He took an early retirement at age 55 which allowed he and Barbara to relocate to the Martin Creek Community near Kettle Falls, WA.  They've spent 30 years in this home enjoying the beauty of Northeast Washington and the Mighty Columbia River.

Retirement allowed Jim and Barbara to travel.  Every spring they drove to Texas to visit family. And on each trip, they deliberately took a new route to explore surroundings and learn about the people and the local customs along the way.

Jim loved to hunt and fish.  He was a charter member of the Kettle Falls Walleye club.  He was fortunate enough to fish in Alaska two times.  Additionally, Jim enjoyed skiing and could be found on the mountain every winter.  Being a bit of a "Rock Hound," Jim was never one to walk past an unusual looking rock without picking it up and studying it and more often than not, bringing it home.  In thirty years, he had managed to fill the garage with his treasures!  And if that wasn't enough, he was a varietal winemaker!  He would say, "I wasn't born to drink bad wine!"

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; Daughter -Becky Norwood, Son - Brian (Sheri) Nance, and Daughter - Terry (Jeff) Houchins; and 10 grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.  The family will gather when all can be together.

Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care.