James E. Nolan, 85, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Oct. 14, 2018, with his family close by.
He was born May 3, 1933 in Sayre, Pa., to Joseph and Ethel (Zacharias) Nolan, the night of the "great fire" at the Robert Packer Hospital.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was stationed in Iceland during the Korean War. Jim was a local business owner through the years - operating the Valley Taxi, Valley Tele Answering Service, PLUS Business Machines, and the Valley House Tavern in Sayre with his son Joseph. Jim had many happy years with his wife, Berniece. He had a full life, enjoyed sailing his boat on Cayuga Lake, and was active up to a couple weeks before his passing.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Berniece (Skadell) Nolan; his daughter Regina (Bruce) Cherry of Rochester, N.Y.; and a son Joseph Nolan and his partner Jackie Jordan of Sayre. He also had a beloved grandson Joseph James (Blaze) Nolan of Sayre; as well as twin 10-month-old great-grandchildren, Noah and Jayce Nolan. The essence of how good Jim was to his family can be summed up with his grandson's last words to him, which were "You were the best Grampa ever." Jim dedicated his life to being good to his family. He would not want anyone to be sad for his passing, as he felt he had a very good life; and to celebrate each day we are given and live our lives to the fullest.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, and a brother, Donald Nolan. He has a sister he was very close to, Mary Claire Johnson, of Bethlehem, Pa. He also has a sister-in-law, Renata Olsen of Lillehammer, Norway; as well as several nieces and nephews.
There will be no services or calling hours, at the request of the family.
Thoughts may be shared with the family by visiting tiogapointcremation.com. Caring assistance is being provided by Cooley Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, Athens, Pa.
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