During the morning hours of August 30, 2023, James “Jim” William Nalley Sr, 86, a devoted husband, father, and grandpa passed away peacefully in his rural Galesburg home surrounded by his beloved wife, Aggie, and other family members.
Jim was born December 6, 1936, in Buras, Kentucky, the son of Sidney “Dock” Thomas and Cattie (Lucas) Nalley. He attended Breckinridge County, Kentucky schools. Never afraid of a hard days work, he worked with his family on the tobacco farm as well as in a sawmill.
Growing up as a sharecropper’s son outside of Hardinsburg, Kentucky; one of Jim’s neighbors was Agnes Lou Adcox. When Jim finally got the nerve to ask Aggie for a date to the picture show, they both knew that their first ever date for both of them would never be with anyone else.
On July 14, 1956, when it was too rainy to farm or work in the sawmill, Jim and Aggie were married in the home of Rev. Finley Hardesty in Breckinridge County, Kentucky.
Later in 1956, Jim and Aggie moved to Galesburg, Illinois. Jim worked as a carman, first for the C.B.& Q. Railroad then for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 30 years before retiring in 1987. Also, Jim worked for a Warren County farmer so Aggie could raise their five children.
He is survived by his wife, of over 67 years, Aggie; two sons, James (Patricia) Nalley Jr of Galesburg; and Jeff Nalley of Monmouth; three daughters, Diane Nalley and Kelley Cruz, both of Galesburg, and Tina (Donald) Walker of Wylie, Texas; 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, and a brother-in-law, Don Adcox. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Franklin; and a sister, Viona Miles.
He was of Methodist faith. In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, spending time with his family and friends in his “mancave” listening or playing gospel, bluegrass, and country music, where everyone was welcomed. Every Saturday night, friends and family were invited to come and bring their instrument and singing voices. On Sunday mornings, Jim’s church was sitting in the garage listening to the local gospel radio program. He always said, “You didn’t need to be in a church building to feel close to God.”
Jim shared his love of music and strong work ethic to all five of his children. He taught each of them how to play a stringed instrument. He was proud to watch his children develop their talents and perform as the Nalley Family Band. Jim never met a stranger.
His smile and laughter were contagious. Neighbors enjoyed his impromptu visits as he drove around on the country roads.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will be in the Warren County Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in his name, may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
