Deacon James Nash

Jesus Will Fix It - HIS STORY James Ola Nash Sr. loved the Lord and accepted Christ at a young age. Growing up, he used his gift of voice by singing from church to church and town to town with a group of family and friends. He moved from Mississippi to Michigan during the Great Migration to the North in 1964 with his wife, Eunice ”Lula” and 5 children, working at General Motors and General Tire. He would often return to Mississippi to visit his mother, daughter, siblings, and other family members stopping along the way in Chicago and New Orleans. He was a hardworking, God-fearing, dependable, generous and loving father, and strict disciplinarian with a kind heart --- who sang like an Angel. He was known as our “daddy,” but was often called Papa. Besides a husband and father, he was a grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, Deacon and friend. Raised in the Church of God in Christ, James lived his life as a loyal and disciplined follower of Christ, always giving God praise and worship. He has been a member of Victorious Believers Ministries, formerly Grant Street C.O.G.I.C. since arriving in Michigan. Upon retirement from General Motors, James spent most of his days riding his John Deere cutting lawns for neighbors, church members, family and anyone who needed it around Saginaw. He also spent many days (and hours) fishing in his boat or the bank of surrounding Bays, listening to music in his spotless GM trucks, singing in the basement, or visiting the sick. When not doing those activities, James could be found singing in church, attending to his deacon functions at the church, or simply participating in weekly services and events sponsored by the church. Over the years he attended school activities and sporting events, while on “Grandpa duties” for his grandchildren. In addition to his children and grandchildren, his Chevy trucks, fishing boat, John Deere tractor, collection of Lee Williams CDs and singing brought him joy. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2013, began to change the course of his life. However, Gospel music kept him connected to the world around him. His favorite song to sing and hear was still “Jesus Will Fix It.” Throughout his life and journey with Alzheimer’s never once did he stop praising God, raising his hand, and saying, “Oh thank you Lord.” He loved…was loved ...and will be missed by many. James Ola Nash, Sr.

HIS LEGACY James Ola Nash Sr. was born on January 6, 1930, in Philadelphia, Mississippi to Elisha Nash and Annie Lee Hunter . He was the oldest of four brothers and one sister. The Lord called him Home on Sunday, November 14, 2021, after a wonderful life serving God, surrounded by the love of family and friends. James was a resident of Saginaw, Michigan.

James leaves to cherish his memory five children: Ann (Herman) Bush of Starkville, Miss., Daniel J. Nash of Saginaw, Mich., Joe Ann (Arthur) Harris of Saginaw, Mich., Barbara Nash-Richardson of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Renea Nash-Nichols of State College, PA; 12 grandchildren: Howard Hodo Jr., Brian Bush, Diandre Nash, Savannah Nash, Eunice Troublefield, Joseph Austin III, Reginald Nash Sr., Danni Nichols, Darryl Nash, Rashaun Hill, James Taylor, Travis Brown; 16 great-grandchildren: Stedmon Ware, Nadia Hodo, Zaskeria Deloach, Gambrel Shepard, LaBrian McNeal, Jayden Nash, Kendall Riley, Reginald Jr., Radajah, Anya and Bishop Nash, Quinn Bellamy, Robert and Jullissa Taylor, Darryl Nash Jr., Makayla Hill, Traniya, Traylon, Travis Jr., and Trevor Brown; a special nephew, Billie Joe Nash and family; and a host of other special relatives, family and close friends in Michigan, Illinois, Mississippi and Arizona.

James was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elisha Nash and Annie Lee Hunter, wife Eunice Pearl “Lula” Nash and son, James “Bowie” Jr.; sister, Gracie Mae Sykes; four brothers, Tommy Lee, Lonzo (Tea), Sterling, Addie Lee and close family friends John and Ernestine Petty. The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brookdale Senior Living, Memory Care, Southern Care Hospice Services in Saginaw and family friend, Debra Gartley for their love, patience, and care to our father. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude are extended to the staff as well as to Pastor Chris Pryor and the members of Victorious Believers for their prayers, visits and love extended to Deacon Nash. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Victorious Believers, or Brookdale Senior Living, Memory Care.