James Martin Nance

James Martin (Jim) Nance, born June 5, 1944, passed from this world on August 24, 2016. Jim loved his God, his country, his family and the sea. Jim was educated in Shreveport, graduating from Byrd High and Centenary College. He was a member of the Byrd Band which marched in the Rose Bowl Parade of 1960. He also served Byrd as a cheerleader in 1961-62. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order.

Jim's career involved him in the design and packaging of Gas Compressors. He was an avid fisherman, duck hunter, and sailor. He skippered many sailing voyages in the Gulf from Galveston to Ft. Myers and up the Atlantic Coast to Savannah. He was a skilled navigator which he learned as a member of the Shreveport Power Squadron.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Luther (Pete) and Elizabeth Hoffman Nance; his sister, Linda Sue Nance, and brothers, (twins) William Smith Nance and Robert Hoffman Nance.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Violet Denton West Nance; two sons, Charles Martin Nance and wife, Leslie Hutson Nance (San Antonio), and Jonathan James Nance and wife, Catherine Crow Nance; two grandsons, Matthew Hutson Nance (Galveston) and John Douglas Nance; and sister, Elizabeth Ann Nance Casto (Lindale, Georgia). Survivors also include: Lee West Routh and Stan Routh (Baton Rouge), Capt. Roney Long and Josephine Long (Lacombe, LA), Judy Babin Nance Douglas and Mike Douglas (Lone Oak, TX), Carolyn Roberson Nance (Shawnee, OK), Katelyn Simonelli, Aubrey Rozan, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

His family expresses gratitude for the many kindnesses shown to Jim by Cheri Baker and doctors, nurses and staff of Christus Hospice and Christus Cancer Center. Gratitude is also extended to Dr. Roan Flenniken.

A graveside service will be on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Forest Park Cemetery on St. Vincent Avenue at 11:00 a.m., officiating, Pastor Scott Ethridge of The Healing Place.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 2016 Louisiana Flood Relief, America Cancer Society Research, or Christus Schumpert Hospice.