This ceremony is a celebration of the life of James Nutty one of many Americans who grew up during the Great Depression, saw the country through World War II and helped create a better life for the next generation through hard work and frugal living. A vanishing generation that will be missed.

A few weeks ago, after coming to grips with the realization that dad's illness was going to end his time on this earth, I began going over in my mind what one might declare about his life. Dozens of thoughts passed through my mind over the following weeks. Then last evening I heard a score of eulogies more eloquent that I can deliver today, from coworkers, church family, relatives and friends who came thorough the visitation line. It was then that I knew that I need not recite all of the good things that I know about James Nutty. Those who knew him were already aware of what kind of man he was and those that didn't know him personally could see by the outpouring of love in this chapel what kind of man he was. His special qualities were recognized by people who knew him all of his life as well as those who only knew him the last thirteen days of his life.

Jim Nutty was a devoted church member and Christian and along with Mom saw that his children were raised in the ways of Christian morality. His devotion and love for God were evidenced last month when Easter Sunday, after several weeks of being too weak to attend and sit through church, he awoke Mom to say, "Let's go to church today" and though Mom thought they should not, he could not be talked out of it.

He was a conscientious community leader. The local community - Alquina, Jennings Township and Fayette County mattered most. He knew his participation could make a difference. These communities are better today because of the efforts of Jim Nutty and others like him.

Dad had a great sense of humor that he carried through to the end. A few weeks ago while being examined he was told by the doctor that he was going to look at his tongue and mouth and then do a rectal exam..to which Dad replied, "I'm glad you are going to do it in that order."

Jim Nutty was a hard worker. His work ethic was a product of the Great Depression. He was always busy doing something in his wood shop, working on his Mustang or painting; he took art classes a few years ago. In 1949 he built his home of nearly fifty years, in Alquina, with the help of Mother and a few others, digging the basement with a slip-scoop and a Farmall tractor. He made the cement blocks by hand. He reclaimed lumber for the house from a building that was being torn down in Connersville.

James Nutty was a patriot. During World War II he served as a mechanic for B-24s in the Army Air Force and though he never went overseas, he served his country four years, most of the time in California. He was very proud of his military service. As a patriot, he would understand the absence of his grandson, Woods, from this ceremony.

Jim Nutty was a dedicated family man. He loved each of us. Though we put he and Mom through some strenuous times in our own ways, he continued to love us unconditionally. His grandchildren gave him tremendous joy.

He very much loved his wife of fifty-six years. Last month, unable to get out of the house on his own, he asked me to buy him a birthday card for him to give to Mom. (He said I did a good job picking it out). And then by the same means, at 2:30 on Mother's Day morning, in the hospital he was able to give Mom a Mother's Day card on which he had written "I Love You" and signed "Jimmy 1998." This from what would be his deathbed eight days later.

The last thing Jim Nutty (Dad) would have wanted while he was living would to have been the center of attention - to have his good deeds paraded before him, to have acts of kindness bestowed upon him. He was a simple man, a giver not a taker. He spent his life doing for others: his family, his church, his community and his friends. He always put others before himself and thought of the feelings of others.

During a visit for chemotherapy a few months ago the nurses gave Dad a cuddly brown teddy bear to cheer him up. A few weeks later, on Easter Sunday, my immediate family suffered a minor tragedy when my daughter's doggy was killed by a car at our home shortly before we were to leave for Easter celebrations with our families. When we arrived at Grandpa's a few hours later, tears were still in our eyes. This would seem so trivial compared to the condition of Dad but, as always, he set us straight by summoning Mom to bring Michele the teddy bear and told her to keep it to comfort her. She named it "Jimmy."

Dad was a courteous man and even in his pain, he thanked the nurses for every act.

Dad cannot speak here today so on behalf of James Nutty and his family let me say this. Words cannot express our feelings for those who have demonstrated love and kindness to us during his illness and in his death. To neighbors, friends, relatives, church and community members and the care givers at Fayette Memorial and Hancock Memorial we can only say "Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts." This outpouring has given us great joy in this stressful time.

We will miss him and we are sad to see him leave this earthly body but we know he is in a better place, out of pain and at peace, and someday we will look into his smiling face again and hear him say, "Hello Kiddo. "

I recieved a e-mail about my grandpa page. I thought I should share it:

I was browsing the web the other day and came across your tribute to who I assume is your grandfather. I am writing you to tell you that I also lost a grandfather recently who was similar to the one described in this page. He was a military aircraft mechanic who served during WWII at Pensacola NAS in Florida. He was also a strong christian who loved his family very much. I am glad to know that he will have such company in heaven as the man you write about. I am sure that they would have enjoyed eachothers company greatly. Among all the other things that your grandfather may have meant and done, remeber his servie to his country as there can be no greater service a man can give. I wish the best for you and your family.

SSG John Anglin, USAF
janglin@hiwaay.net