James Harrison Nease, born in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, on July 30, 1924, died at home on September 25, 2015, in Gainesville, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lena Ruth Harkey Nease, and, daughter Johnna Ulrich Nease Cannon.
Captain James Nease served under General Patton in the 3rd army, 4th Armoured Division; fought in the Battle of the Bulge; and was a recipient of 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and received an accommodation from the French Ambassador for his contributions to the liberation of France.
Following the war, he returned to Oklahoma and attended OU Law School. After graduation, Jim continued his service as Captain in the JAGC-USAR. His civilian career began as County Attorney for McCurtain County and then served on the Supreme Court Commission for the great state of Oklahoma. In the late ‘50s, he took a position in the newly formed Bureau of Hearings & Appeals for the Social Security Administration as an administrative law judge. His career with the department eventually led him to the level of National Director of the Bureau under the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations. Upon his retirement, James and Lena Ruth moved to Gainesville where they became active members of First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, the American Legion, and the Lions Club.
Jim was a man of public service and a devoted husband, father, grand and great grandfather. He was a friend to many, known affectionately as James, Judge, Jim, or, most proudly, HiDad.
Survivors include his daughter, Beth Nease Hawkins Abernathy of Gainesville, GA; son-in-law Gary Cannon of Colquitt, GA; Grandchildren Kelly Cannon of New York City, NY; Chip and Elizabeth Cannon of Charlotte, NC; Ben and Suzie Hawkins, Elizabeth Hawkins, and Jim Hawkins, all of Gainesville, GA; Seth and Beth Cannon of Brooklet, GA; and, Charlie and Abby Hawkins of Gainesville, GA. Great grandchildren are Anne, Benny and Jane Hawkins of Gainesville, GA; and, Millie Cannon of Charlotte, NC. It pleased him greatly to know that two more were on the way.
Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, September 27, 2015 at The First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville. Inurnment will be held at 1:30 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the Church. Reverend Shon Peppers will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota, NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 or to the American Cancer Society, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.
Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
