James ‘Jim’ Nolan, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was the eldest son of James and Mary (Frances) Nolan. He had a fun-filled, exciting childhood in San Francisco where he graduated from Lowell High School. After graduating from Dartmouth College, class of 1960,…
Continue ReadingJames ‘Jim’ Nolan, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was the eldest son of James and Mary (Frances) Nolan. He had a fun-filled, exciting childhood in San Francisco where he graduated from Lowell High School.
After graduating from Dartmouth College, class of 1960, Jim continued his education at San Francisco State University before earning a Ph.D. in sociology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Most importantly, it was here that he met and married the love of his life, Sally Jo. They were lucky to have recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary together, a special milestone in which they shared a vow renewal ceremony.
After teaching at the University of Maine, Orono, for two years, Jim joined the sociology faculty at Norfolk State University in 1970. He taught undergraduate and graduate sociology and criminal justice during his 36 year career. He was chairman of the sociology department and director of the graduate criminal justice program when he retired. Jim’s favorite parts of teaching were exchanging ideas with students and supporting them with reaching their goals.
Throughout the years Jim also volunteered with the Crime Prevention Steering Committee, League of Women Voters, and local Dartmouth Alumni Association.
Jim enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with his family. He had a zest for learning and appreciated experiencing different cultures. Jim’s wit, humor, easygoing personality, and thoughtfulness will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His special bond with his grandson, Mason, will ensure his legacy lives on.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, as well as by his brother, Daniel.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Sally Jo; daughter Kathleen Nolan; daughter Kara Nolan Raymundo, son-in-law Edgar Raymundo, and grandson Mason Raymundo; and a host of cousins, nieces, and loving friends.
Jim and his family want to express their appreciation to the healthcare providers at DaVita, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, and Sentara Hospice for extending his time and quality of life during his final years.
Jim’s immediate family will honor him in a small, private ceremony.
Sandy Jensen
left a message on November 1, 2021:
My heartfelt condolences to Sally Jo and the entire family for the loss of Jim. Even though I haven't seen Jim since grad school days, I clearly remember him as a kind and caring person with a good sense of humor who enjoyed talking with and socializing with others. I have no doubt he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and son, as well as a top-notch professor.
David Stamps
left a message on October 27, 2021:
I am very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I have known him for over 50 years. We first met as graduate students at Washington State University. We both taught at Norfolk State University. When I left Norfolk State in 1977, my greatest sorry leaving my good friend. Jim was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He was a true intellectual, who always enjoyed academic debate.
May you Rest In Peace.
Mary Inman
left a message on October 27, 2021:
Growing up in Windsor Wood with Kathy and Kara, Mr. Nolan was part of my childhood. I remember being impressed with his music collection especially his Fleetwood Mac albums. Sally and Jim seemed so young and hip. I also respected how Mr. Nolan had time for and would listen to me. The Nolans were always willing to have the neighborhood kids hang out at their house and I have many great memories of time spent with the family. I was fortunate enough to tag along on a family trip to California to visit his mom. I still have so many great memories of San Francisco from that adventure. So sorry for your loss,
Mary Inman
Nelson Armstrong
left a message on October 21, 2021:
Jim was a treasured and trusted friend. While I was only able to know him for just a few years, the friendship that he offered felt like a lifetime. His easy going manner and engaging ways of getting along with others are traits I sure hope to emulate. RIP, good sir! It was awfully good to know you.
Gary and Cherrell Fulmer
left a message on October 20, 2021:
It's with great sorrow that we offer our condolences to the family of Jim Nolan. Like his parents who were inspirations to us during our growing years, Jim was a beloved cousin and role model for our family.
We fondly remember the phone conversations where Jim would recount how the family cat "Tuffy" was ruling the house, or stories about growing up on Whitney Street in San Francisco. We feel good that Jim had the opportunity to stop by and point out that house to his family on his last visit to the bay area. We still have the T-shirt Jim provided when he organized the Moriarty family reunion years ago.
We remember on a visit to the Pendleton's home in Virginia Beach while we were staying in the Winsor Woods home, generously offered by Jim and Sally that we always referred to Jim as "Baby Jimmy",
which was his childhood nickname. Jess Pendleton's was taken aback because he told us that Jim referred to himself as "Big Jim from the West" Needles to say, Jess relished the chance to confront Jim with his now discovered "baby" moniker. We all had a good laugh over that.
So many stories that provide so many memories are what we will always have in our heart, because of that wonderful man Jim. RIP to one of the most gentle, kind, and compassionate man we have ever known. We love you Jim, and you will forever be in our hearts. Gary and Cherrell
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beth Pendleton
left a message on October 20, 2021:
Jim took me to my very first concert - The Bee Gees with Kathy. It was electrifying, and I didn't even know much about The Bee Gees at that time. In fact Jim was there throughout my childhood as he and Sally were some of my parent's closest friends and he was my sister's Godfather. We spent Halloweens at their house and watched fireworks with them. We watched slide shows of their trips - in particular I remember a Hawaiian trip with lots of cool volcano photos, I also had home made nachos for the first time at their house which were AMAZING and have ever since been my go to nacho snack recipe (and in my opinion the only way to make nachos!) - Doritos, Jalapeños and cheese. The family secret is out! And he's always brought delicious food with him when coming around to the house. I joined in on the chicken pox party at their house as a kid. Thanks a lot - haha. And I remember once being afraid to go to my babysitters house (because I felt I was in trouble), and trying to convince the driver to let me get off with Kathy to hang out with them. Home away from home. Jim was solid, steady, smart, easy going, supportive, fair and kind. All the things that help a kid (and adult) move bravely through this world. I'll miss him a lot. Fly high Jim and much much Love to the whole family.
Sabrina Ricketts
left a message on October 20, 2021:
We will never forget Jim, and are grateful to have had him in our lives. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With love and our sincerest condolences,
The Ricketts Family
Carmen Raymundo
left a message on October 20, 2021:
I consider Jim, part of our family. He was a good generous man. He donated money to my sister when hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. She sends her condolences. Jim will be missed by our family. He was loved by all of us. Jim rest in peace. I know you are in heaven. Carmen & Ray
Mason Raymundo
left a message on October 19, 2021:
James Nolan was an extraordinary person. As a child, I never really thought much about my “Gramps” beyond the man who set up toy bricks with me in the living room, but as I grew up I learned about a man with a storied history of travel, a passion for learning, and a deep care for his family. Sharp as a tack, his stories always captivated. From the bustling streets of mid-century San Francisco, to the small college town of Hanover there always seemed to be a new tale. But it wasn’t just the stories, there were new adventures too. All the memories that he made with his family on their travels to new places, fueled by his unquestionable love of nature, is something we will all cherish. And who could forget the countless “Nolan-isms” that have come from decades of memory making which persist to this day. Having the opportunity to learn about the brilliant man that was James Nolan is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and he will be a role model for me for the rest of my life.
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Sandy Jensen
left a message on November 1, 2021:
My heartfelt condolences to Sally Jo and the entire family for the loss of Jim. Even though I haven't seen Jim since grad school days, I clearly remember him as a kind and caring person with a good sense of humor who enjoyed talking with and socializing with others. I have no doubt he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and son, as well as a top-notch professor.
David Stamps
left a message on October 27, 2021:
I am very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I have known him for over 50 years. We first met as graduate students at Washington State University. We both taught at Norfolk State University. When I left Norfolk State in 1977, my greatest sorry leaving my good friend. Jim was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He was a true intellectual, who always enjoyed academic debate.
May you Rest In Peace.
Mary Inman
left a message on October 27, 2021:
Growing up in Windsor Wood with Kathy and Kara, Mr. Nolan was part of my childhood. I remember being impressed with his music collection especially his Fleetwood Mac albums. Sally and Jim seemed so young and hip. I also respected how Mr. Nolan had time for and would listen to me. The Nolans were always willing to have the neighborhood kids hang out at their house and I have many great memories of time spent with the family. I was fortunate enough to tag along on a family trip to California to visit his mom. I still have so many great memories of San Francisco from that adventure. So sorry for your loss,
Mary Inman
Nelson Armstrong
left a message on October 21, 2021:
Jim was a treasured and trusted friend. While I was only able to know him for just a few years, the friendship that he offered felt like a lifetime. His easy going manner and engaging ways of getting along with others are traits I sure hope to emulate. RIP, good sir! It was awfully good to know you.
Gary and Cherrell Fulmer
left a message on October 20, 2021:
It's with great sorrow that we offer our condolences to the family of Jim Nolan. Like his parents who were inspirations to us during our growing years, Jim was a beloved cousin and role model for our family.
We fondly remember the phone conversations where Jim would recount how the family cat "Tuffy" was ruling the house, or stories about growing up on Whitney Street in San Francisco. We feel good that Jim had the opportunity to stop by and point out that house to his family on his last visit to the bay area. We still have the T-shirt Jim provided when he organized the Moriarty family reunion years ago.
We remember on a visit to the Pendleton's home in Virginia Beach while we were staying in the Winsor Woods home, generously offered by Jim and Sally that we always referred to Jim as "Baby Jimmy",
which was his childhood nickname. Jess Pendleton's was taken aback because he told us that Jim referred to himself as "Big Jim from the West" Needles to say, Jess relished the chance to confront Jim with his now discovered "baby" moniker. We all had a good laugh over that.
So many stories that provide so many memories are what we will always have in our heart, because of that wonderful man Jim. RIP to one of the most gentle, kind, and compassionate man we have ever known. We love you Jim, and you will forever be in our hearts. Gary and Cherrell
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Beth Pendleton
left a message on October 20, 2021:
Jim took me to my very first concert - The Bee Gees with Kathy. It was electrifying, and I didn't even know much about The Bee Gees at that time. In fact Jim was there throughout my childhood as he and Sally were some of my parent's closest friends and he was my sister's Godfather. We spent Halloweens at their house and watched fireworks with them. We watched slide shows of their trips - in particular I remember a Hawaiian trip with lots of cool volcano photos, I also had home made nachos for the first time at their house which were AMAZING and have ever since been my go to nacho snack recipe (and in my opinion the only way to make nachos!) - Doritos, Jalapeños and cheese. The family secret is out! And he's always brought delicious food with him when coming around to the house. I joined in on the chicken pox party at their house as a kid. Thanks a lot - haha. And I remember once being afraid to go to my babysitters house (because I felt I was in trouble), and trying to convince the driver to let me get off with Kathy to hang out with them. Home away from home. Jim was solid, steady, smart, easy going, supportive, fair and kind. All the things that help a kid (and adult) move bravely through this world. I'll miss him a lot. Fly high Jim and much much Love to the whole family.
Sabrina Ricketts
left a message on October 20, 2021:
We will never forget Jim, and are grateful to have had him in our lives. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With love and our sincerest condolences,
The Ricketts Family
Carmen Raymundo
left a message on October 20, 2021:
I consider Jim, part of our family. He was a good generous man. He donated money to my sister when hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. She sends her condolences. Jim will be missed by our family. He was loved by all of us. Jim rest in peace. I know you are in heaven. Carmen & Ray
Mason Raymundo
left a message on October 19, 2021:
James Nolan was an extraordinary person. As a child, I never really thought much about my “Gramps” beyond the man who set up toy bricks with me in the living room, but as I grew up I learned about a man with a storied history of travel, a passion for learning, and a deep care for his family. Sharp as a tack, his stories always captivated. From the bustling streets of mid-century San Francisco, to the small college town of Hanover there always seemed to be a new tale. But it wasn’t just the stories, there were new adventures too. All the memories that he made with his family on their travels to new places, fueled by his unquestionable love of nature, is something we will all cherish. And who could forget the countless “Nolan-isms” that have come from decades of memory making which persist to this day. Having the opportunity to learn about the brilliant man that was James Nolan is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and he will be a role model for me for the rest of my life.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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