James L. Nation
James L. Nation
James L. Nation
April 17, 1944 – March 25, 2019
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 74
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
James Leroy Nation, 74, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, March 25, 2019, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born April 17, 1944, in Eddyville, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Wanda White Nation.
Jim graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1962.
Following high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and served on the U.S.S. Hornet. He received his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1966.
Following his discharge, Jim worked for Kaiser Steel in Fontana, California. After a time in California, he returned to Iowa and settled in Pella, and went to work at Vermeer. After 12 years at Vermeer, he took a job at Pella Community Schools. He retired from Pella Community School district after 30 years of service.
On June 27, 2012, Jim was united in marriage to Anna Mae VanRoekel in Oskaloosa; Anna died January 1, 2018.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed being a buck skinner for many years and traveling the country to attend various rendezvous. He was a member of the American Legion and was a faithful member of the honor guard.
His family includes his two daughters, Lisa Cooper of Blairesville, Georgia and Patricia Nation of Pleasant Hill; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three step children; and his brother, Lawrence “Larry” (& Cindy) Nation of Killduff, Iowa.
In addition to his wife Anna, Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Nation; and a brother, Bill Nation.
A time of remembrance followed by Military Honors will be held at the Oskaloosa American Legion on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.
During this time the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Honor Guard will perform military honors in the parking lot of the American Legion.
His urn will be buried at Forest Cemetery with his wife Anna. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Honor Guard.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James L. Nation please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
