James Augusta Nance

Mr. James Augusta Nance was born in Coffee County, Enterprise, Alabama on July 24, 1931 to the late James Evan and Mamie Gilley Nance. He was the youngest male child of twelve children. James married his longtime childhood friend, Jewel Gladys Faulk. Their union resulted in seven children; Juliette Nance Payne, Theresa Nance Cox, Beverly Nance Hubert (Bill), Terry Nance, Reginald Nance, Angela Nance Gatihi (Kenny), and Felicia Nance. He joined the military in 1950 during the Korean War. As an enlisted soldier, he served in the communications unit and later attended the NCO Military Cooking School. During the course of his military career, he traveled extensively living in Korea, Germany, Wisconsin, S. Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and California. He received numerous commendations for his excellent service performance during his 23 year military career. He and his family joined the Hays CME Church in Seaside, CA when they arrived in Seaside in 1968. After serving in the military, James spent 22 years as the Dietary Supervisor at Driftwood Skilled Nursing Facility in Salinas, CA. He discovered that he had strong passion for working with the elderly and enjoyed his time at Driftwood. He was recognized for his commitment and outstanding service to patient care. After retiring in Seaside, California, James spent his time in activities involving community improvement and recycling. James was known for his passion for recycling and helping others. He was also known as a go to guy for helping with home improvement projects. In addition to both of his parents, nine brothers and sisters preceded James in death. James leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife Gladys Nance; sons, Terry Nance and Reginald Nance; daughters, Juliette Nance Payne, Beverly Hurbert (Bill), Theresa Nance Cox, Angela Gatihi (Kenny), and Felicia Nance; brother, Sylvalouis Nance, Sr., Tuscumbia, AL and sister, Madie Nance Finch of Gary, IN; nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; a host of niece and nephew, and friends and family.