WEST FRANKFORT – James (Jim) Earl Nolen, age 80, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Reflections Memory Care, in Carterville, Illinois.
He was born Friday, November 26, 1943, West Frankfort, Illinois, to Wilford Earl and Naomi Fern (Boyer) Nolen. His parents preceded him in death.
Jim attended and graduated from Frankfort Community High School with the Class of 1961. In December 1962 he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 702. He was accepted into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 702 Joint Apprenticeship Training School, West Frankfort, Illinois, in February 1965, and graduated as a Journeyman Wireman in June 1969. On August 22, 1978, Jim accepted the position of Business Representative for the wireman program as well as other companies represented by the IBEW. Due to health issues, Jim was deemed disabled in May of 2003, ending the career he enjoyed.
Jim was united in marriage to Bari Lynn Clark on November 11, 1997, in Paducah, Kentucky, and she survives.
Surviving family members are his son Jimmy Joe Nolen, wife Sandra (Richardson), and their children Jennifer Rash, John Nolen, Sarah Zaragoza and husband Bruce. Daughter Kathy McClintock and husband Mark. Their children Mathew McClintock (Taunie Burton), Kyle McClintock (Ashley Watson), Nathan McClintock (Miranda Linderman), Luke McClintock (Courtney Seim) and Kari Burdine (Brody). Daughter Amy Stoner and husband Tony. Their children Brian Stoner (Taylor Jundt), Chris Stoner (Ellice Boskelly), Melanie Mathis and husband Bryce. Also surviving are his stepson Brent Pritchett along with his wife, Robin (Rader), and their children Matthew Pritchett and Mackenzie Pritchett.
Great-grandchildren are Aiden Rash, Katelyn Rash, Weston Cole Bumann, Brody Zaragoza, Arya McClintock, Marin McClintock, Chase McClintock, Alyssa McClintock, Madison Pendry, Jon McClintock, Harper McClintock, Emory Burdine, Briar J. Burdine, Joie Ann Burdine, Rylee Mathis, James Stoner, and Max Stoner.
Jim’s sister, Lanora Nolen Smith, survives.
In his spare time Jim liked farming and gardening with his family.He and Bari Lynn enjoyed traveling, hosting fall hayrides and Christmas Eve gatherings. Jim was always the life of the party and we enjoyed his sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle man who was always ready to support family and friends.
Jim was a member of the Second Baptist Church in West Frankfort, Illinois.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Union Funeral Home, located at 213 E. Oak St. in West Frankfort, Illinois. The funeral will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort, Illinois, with Dr. Brett Beasley presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. or The Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Thank you to the entire staff at Reflections Memory Care for their loving kindness and quality of care shown to Jim.