James Delbert Nunley Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On February 18, 2013, James Delbert Nunley Sr., age 91, succumbed to a short illness and joined God’s bowling team. Delbert was born in a log cabin near Center Ridge, AR on January 12, 1922 and was the oldest child of Earl and Effie Nunley. A son of farmers, Delbert worked the farm as soon as he was old enough to guide a horse drawn plow. His formal education ended in the 5th grade, but his desire to learn never diminished. At the age of 17, in 1939, he entered the Conservation Corp in Arkansas where after working an eight hour shift clearing brush and timber, he attended two hours of optional vocational training courses each day. He was discharged from the CC in 1941. On September 15, 1941, Delbert married Agnes Mae Ward of Formosa, AR. They were married for 60 years, four months and two days until her death on January 17, 2002. Their first child, Betty Gay, died at age three in 1945. In April 1942, Delbert answered Uncle Sam’s, “I want you in Europe,” entreaty and joined the United States Army, where he served with the 8th Division in Germany until the defeat of Nazism. The 8th Division returned to the states to await transport to the Western Pacific for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. Delbert was Honorably Discharged in December of 1946 as a Technician 4th Grade. In 1948, Delbert and Agnes moved to Napa where they raised four sons. They quickly became members of Calvary Baptist Church. Throughout his 60-year membership, Delbert held various positions at the church, including Sunday School Teacher, Money Counter, Trustee and Deacon. Due to declining membership in 2011, he convinced the remaining handful of members to deed the property to the current New Wine Church. New Wine Church is Napa’s first Hispanic Southern Baptist Convention Congregation and currently has over 100 members. “Del” worked as a Lead Maintenance worker at Basalt Rock Company in Napa, San Rafael and Novato for 22 years, until the company downsized after being sold to Dillingham. Del was never out of work for long. He worked various maintenance jobs around the Bay Area until 1967, when he began his career as a Shop 56 Pipefitter at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. At Mare Island “Del” became known as “Pappy”. He retired as a Foreman in March 1984. Del was known for his unwavering positive attitude. He was never short on smiles, laughter and stories. One favorite story he loved to share was when he and his wife Agnes went to cash his paycheck at Pueblo Market. Normally Delbert would give the check to Agnes who would endorse it and then use it to buy groceries. But one day, Delbert went along with his wife to the market. The clerk looked at the properly-endorsed check and touted, “I’m sorry, Sir, but this isn’t your signature.” Unsure how to handle the situation, Delbert turned to Agnes, who peered at the clerk and sternly barked, “Cash the check!” The clerk did not hesitate. Del was an avid bowler who often caused frustration in competitors younger than him. He participated in Napa leagues for over 35 years and continued to regularly bowl with his sons and grandsons up through age 91. He maintained a 160 average and is credited with a 718 series and a 289 single game score during league play. He was a member of Sons in Retirement (SIRS) Branches 80 and 105. He served one term each as Big Sir and Little Sir. Soon after joining, he became the Branch Chaplain and served at the position until his death. On February 15, 2009, Del married Nancy June Epperson/Crawford, who was a true blessing to him. He was predeceased by First Wife, Agnes Mae; Daughter, Betty Gay; Father, Earl Henry; Mother, Effie May; Brother, Marvin; Sisters, Ima Dene (“Smokey”) Christner and Caroline Graham. He is survived by his wife, Nancy June; sister, Opal Flowers; brother, Dwight (Pauline); sons, Jim (Denise), Glenn (Christine), Brian (Nancy) and Bruce (Patty); stepdaughters, Terry Scheumann (Jim) and Robin Jordan; grandchildren; Stacy, James, Justin, Trevor, Glenn, Joshua, Kim, Brianna, Michelle, Garrett, Kyle and Robin. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The Family would like to thank Kaiser Hospice for their professional and compassionate care and request that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Kaiser Hospice in Delbert’s honor.

James Delbert Nunley Sr.

January 12, 1922 - February 18, 2013

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James Delbert Nunley Sr.

January 12, 1922 - February 18, 2013

Obituary Notification

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