Jim Nash

September 16, 1930 - August 29, 2015

James “Jim” G. Nash, 84, of 222 Boone Street in Boone, Iowa passed away on Friday evening, August 14, 2015 at the Hearthstone Memory Care Unit of the Eastern Star Masonic Home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Jim was born on September 16, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Buford and Nina (Misner) Nash. Jim graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology in Houghton before transferring to Michigan State University where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Jim served in ROTC throughout high school and college. Following college graduation, he attended Officers Training School in Ft. Benning, Georgia and served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army in Korea. He was promoted to Captain and served in the US Army Reserves. On June 14, 1951, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Spykerman. Jim began his professional career as Assistant Manager of Production with Post Cereals in Battle Creek, Michigan and later was employed at the Nabisco Headquarters in New York City. He was an Assistant Manager for Archway Cookies in Ashland, Ohio before moving to Boone in 1970, serving as General Manager and National Vice President for Archway until 1987. The remainder of his career was spent applying his production engineering skills as a consultant with various startup companies. With an eye for detail, Jim used his craftsmanship to remodel every home he and Marilyn lived in and often lent his skills to family and friends. Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife Marilyn, family vacations to Lake Michigan, working in his yard, golf, walking his grand-dogs, the fellowship at the Cocklebur Club, and following his Michigan State Spartans. He cherished every family holiday gathering and most of all, adored his grandchildren. Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and past member of the Boone Noon Kiwanis Club. Throughout his career, Jim was active in numerous church and community organizations in Boone. He served on the Board of Directors at Citizens National Bank, Boone Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace, Red Cross, Boone County Activities Center and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a past president of the Boone Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. Jim’s family is especially thankful for the caregivers at Hearthstone for the loving care given to Jim where he had resided since May 2013. His parents and two brothers-in-law, William Towner and Raymond Savara, preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; two sons, Jim (Jean), Iowa City, IA and Tim (Jenifer Davis), Des Moines, IA; two daughters, Julie Nash (Van Harris), Boone, IA and Amy Walter (Shawn), Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Amber, Jonathan (Brianna), Katherine (Linsey Hammett), Carey, Tyler (Laura), Kyle and Ryan; two sisters, Barbara Towner, Dover, DE and Nita Degraaf (Charles),Rockford MI.; numerous nieces and nephews. Jim’s wish was to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday afternoon, August 29th at 2:00 p.m. at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone with Rev. Janell Bloem officiating. Prior to the service, the family will be present at the Chapel from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service to greet friends. Presentation of the flag with ceremonial taps will be conducted by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Program. In memory of Jim, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.