Obituary

Mr. James H. Nash Sr. of Ardmore, Oklahoma heard the voice of the Lord calling him from labor to reward on Saturday, September 17, 2016.
His journey on earth came to an end when the Commander in Chief of the Universe relieved him of his earthly duties.
He whispered and said ,Servant, your work is now complete!

A Celebration of Life will commence Saturday, September 24, 2016 at
Mt. Zion Baptist Church which located at 101 F. Street S.E. , Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 at 11:00am

Public viewing will be at Mt. Zion Baptist Church,
Friday, September 23, 2016 from 5pm-7pm
Family and Friends may give remarks from 6:00pm- 7:00pm

All floral arrangements should be sent to Grant-Owens Funeral home which is located at 515 E. Main Street Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401.
You may contact them at 580-223-0377.
They may also be sent to Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Friday, September 23, 2016 beginning at 2:00pm.

Mr. James Harrison Nash, Sr.
“A Journey through His Life”

August 02, 1933, what a surprise!!! A twinkle in the eyes of David and Almeady Nash became a reality. On that day in Ardmore, Oklahoma a handsome baby boy was born and they named him James Harrison Nash. He was the 4th of 10 children. James’s educational endeavors began at Dunbar school and then he attended Douglass High School graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a proud Douglass Alumni. James understood the need to further his education so he attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

The Servant

James always had a heart to serve. He was the true definition of a “sacrificial servant” Therefore, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Korean War. Upon completion of his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, he returned to Ardmore and was employed as a biologist at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation where he served for 29 years.
James also worked in the laboratory at the Uniroyal Tire Plant until he was asked to work as the household overseer and event planner for Carrie Little. James’ desire to help others and continue his community involvement landed him jobs as the Director of the H.F.V Wilson Community Center and as Chef for the Gloria Ainsworth Child Care Center until his health forced him to retire.

The Family Man

James saw a sparkle in his eye by the name of Lucille G. Anderson. The two were married on October 21, 1960 and remained married for 43 years. They were blessed with 5 children (including a set of twins). James was a wonderful husband. He took care of his wife and worked hard to provide so she could have everything she needed and wanted. He was an exemplary father. He always provided for his children and made sure he attended their activities. He instilled in them many positive attributes such as respect, compassion, love, forgiveness, and perseverance. Most of all, he modeled them daily! James worked extremely hard to provide a way for all 5 of his children to graduate from college. This is an outstanding accomplishment

The Christian

If you knew James Nash Sr., you know he loved the Lord with his whole heart. He united with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully for 75+ years. He served in multiple ministries. He served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, Chairman of the Deacon Board and remained a deacon for 40+years. James’ faithfulness was not just shared at his church. He was a biblical scholar and a firm believer in Christian Education. He served the Chickasaw District Baptist Association as Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for many years. He attended the Oklahoma Baptist State Congress of Christian Education and when his health permitted, he would travel to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He was well known and respected throughout the state as a true servant of God.

“Mr. Fantastic” as he was referred to by friends and family, was an inspiration to everyone whose path he crossed. He never met a stranger! He was a genuine, loving and kind-hearted man. He was a part of everyone and everything whenever he was needed. Despite what was going on in his life, he always exhibited an attitude of gratitude. He never complained. James was a true “gentleman” at all times and courteous in speech. He was an integral part of the Ardmore community. He served the Ardmore School Board for 25 years and was the first African American to serve as President. He served in various positions for the Douglass Alumni Association and displayed the “Dear Ole Douglass” spirit everywhere the opportunity presented itself.

His Journey Is Now Complete

On September 17, 2016 , exactly twelve years from the day his late wife was called home, the Lord whispered in his ear and said, Servant, you fought a good fight, you’ve finished the race and you’ve kept the faith, Well Done! James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Lucille G. Nash, two sisters- Mildred and Frankie Maxine; two brothers- Rondalg and Prince; and a grandson, Aaron Lampkin.
He leaves to cherish sweet memories, sons: Mark ( Kezia) , of Lawton, Ok, James Jr, of Bryan, TX ; three daughters: Lavelle Dyer of Tulsa, Ok, Dr. Ja’Net Conerly (Lamar) of Grand Prairie, TX and Janice Lampkin (Ivan) of Covington, GA. Two sisters; Mattie Payne of Milwaukee, WI and Sally Murray ( Arber) of Ardmore OK ; two brothers; David Nash and Theodore Nash of Peoria, AZ.
The pride and joy of his life, his seven grandchildren and four great- grandchildren; a second special son, Rev. Tommy Brown and a ” Little Brother ” , Fred Jenkins along with a host of nieces , nephews relatives and friends.

~When caring truly matters, DYER Cares~