Obituary of James C. Nanney

James C. Nanney, 87, passed away at home on Mother’s Day, May 11. Born in Avon Park, FL, on May 26, 1926, Jim’s life revolved around a deep love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary “Red”, six children Bill Nanney (Beth) of Plantation, FL; Pat Nanney (Margi) of Bradenton; Kitty Selitto (Ron) of Ellicott City, MD; Valerie Reaume of Bradenton, Mike Nanney (Augusta) of Bradenton; and Jennifer Glassburn (Gene) of Duette, FL, and 15 grandchildren. He moved to Bradenton in 1929 and was a 1944 graduate of Bradenton High School. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Florida and later received a B.S. Degree in Agriculture Cum Laude from Ohio State University. As a third generation Manatee County farmer, his love for the land was strong. He operated W.C. Nanney & Son Gladiolus Farm on Snead Island until 1955 when he began a 30 year career as Production Manager for R.J. Claprood and Fulwood Farms in Sun City specializing in gladiolus and cut flowers. In 1985 he and Red operated their own greenhouse business on their Terra Ceia farm. Jim worked all over the world as an agricultural consultant assisting a number of countries with citrus and vegetable production. He received many awards for his work in the agriculture industry over the years, but was most proud of the Manatee County Outstanding Agriculturist Award he was honored with in 2000. He also contributed over 15 years to the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster of Troop 22, all three of his sons are Eagle Scouts as are many of his grandsons. Jim was a member of the Bradenton and Sun City Rotary Clubs and joined the First Presbyterian Church in Bradenton in 1936 where he was a lay reader. At the time of his passing, he was the church’s oldest active member. Red and Jim loved to travel and he enjoyed playing tennis, ping pong and studying history. Jim will be deeply missed but his beloved memory will live on through the family he created and loved so much. Visitation will be at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, 720 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, Thursday, May 29 from 6 PM- 8PM. A service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W. on Friday, May 30 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Manatee Agriculture Museum, P.O. Box 1284, Palmetto, FL 34220 or to Southwest FL Council Boy Scouts of America c/o James C. Nanney Camp Flying Eagle Fund, P.O. Box 607, Oneco, FL 34264.