James H. Nettles

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Celebrating the life of
James H. NettlesNovember 08, 1918 - April 19, 2008

James Harold Nettles
1918 – 2008
James Nettles, also known as Jim or Harold, died peacefully after an extended illness on April 19, 2008, while under the loving care of his family and Hospice Savannah on Eisenhower Drive.
Born in Switzerland, South Carolina, as the youngest of eight, he was graduated from Ridgeland High School in 1936 and attended Furman University on a football scholarship. Jim gained experience through work in the Civilian Conservation Corp, Southeastern Shipbuilding Co, and service in the US Navy before starting his own business, Metal Equipment Company, in 1946.
Under his strong guidance Metal Equipment Company flourished, becoming one of the largest metal fabricators in the Southeast, and provided employment to hundreds of Coastal Empire residents. His company produced some of the largest fuel storage tanks in the world, which are still in use as far away as Kuwait. After the sale of his company, he served as a consultant in fabrication. Jim enjoyed helping others through his inventiveness and keen insight. Drawing from his experiences, he assisted numerous other entrepreneurs in their efforts to meet the challenges of starting businesses. He also served on the board of the Exchange Club of Savannah and the Mayor's Advisory Committee.
He was a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church and served as the first Chairman of the Deacon Board. Under his guidance Memorial Day School was established in 1971, and he served as Chairman of the Board for over 20 years.
One of his greatest passions was offshore ocean racing, and he enjoyed competing with top sailors from around the world. He taught boating courses through the Power Squadron and promoted sailing while serving as Commodore at the Savannah Yacht Club.
His passion for sailing was surpassed only by his love of family. He had four daughters with his first love, Dorothy Eikel, of Elfers, Florida. before her death in 1961. He then had one son with his second love, Melba Porter of Wadley, Georgia. After her death in 1991, he found love again with Beulah Harper of Savannah, Georgia, and joined her family with his.
He was preceded in death by his seven siblings: Mamie Nettles Lucas, Daisy Nettles Yarley, Cora L. Nettles Nelson, Evie G. Nettles Colling, Eulalia Nettles Mason, Hugh Lloyd Nettles, Edward Lenford Nettles, and two wives Dorothy Eikel Nettles, Melba Porter Nettles, son-in-law Michael Hargroves, and granddaughter Lauren Hargroves.
He is survived by a large, loving, extended network of family and friends who will miss him daily. Immediate Family - Wife: Beulah Harper Nettles, Children: Diane Jeff Meseroll, Pamela Dale Karacostas, Deborah N. Hargroves, Susan Ray Smith, James Barbara Nettles, Jr., Tom Debbie Harper, Grandchildren: Angie Bill Howard, Dale Stacy Karacostas, Meg K. Jeff Lego, Matthew Hargroves, Zachary Smith, Frazier Smith, Eve Nettles, Ellen Nettles, Emily H. Paul Gray, Ellen Harper, Tom Harper Jr., Great Grandchildren: Alexandra Howard, Carolyn Howard, Hannah Howard, Marshall Lego, Harper Gray.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A memorial service will be held at New Day Fellowship Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. Following the service family and friends are invited to gather at the family home at 602 E. Victory Drive to celebrate the life of this remarkable man.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be sent to New Day Fellowship Memorial Baptist Church - 6500 Habersham Street 31406, Memorial Day School - 6500 Habersham Street 31406, or Hospice Savannah – P.O. Box 13190, 31416.
Please sign our guestbook on-line at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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Mrs. Nettles and Family, Thinking of you at this time and hoping your cherished memories will ease your hearts.

- Jerry Benson, Jr. and Family, Savannah, GA

Our sympathy to all the family members and our hopes that your wonderful memories will comfort you. God Bless

- Jill & Floyd Cancello, Louisville, KY

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Best Love, Carol and Joe

- Carol & Joe Douglas, Savannah, GA

Johnny joins me in sending our love and prayers to you & your family during this difficult time. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

- Debbie Mamalakis, Savannah, GA

Jim, You and your family are in my prayers. I'm so sorry. Carol Jeffcoat

- Carol Jeffcoat, Decatur, GA

Jim, I am very moved to hear about this. All I can say is that your father was making a big difference by the son he and his wife were giving birth to. I wish all of you the best for the future and I am very much looking forward to seeing you next time. Take care, Andreas

- Andreas Bender, Leiden,

Be assured of our love and prayers to Beulah, Diane, Pam, Deborah, Susan, and Jim In the loss of your dear husband and father. Psalm 27:10. Love and prayers, Frank and Anne Perry

- Frank and Anne Perry, Lilburn, GA

We are so sorry for the loss of such a great Man, Father, Husband and friend! The only good in all of this is that he is finally at peace and his pains are no more. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with those closest to him. We are so sorry you don't have him here with you anymore. I know you will feel his presence forever. He sure left a big impression on me. The world could use many more people like Dr. Nettles. We will miss him. Fred Hardin

- Fred & Teri Hardin, Savannah, GA

Dear Beulah & Family, I loved Harold very much. I have great memories during Christmas time of him dressing up as Santa. I will always cherish those fond moments we had when I was little. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. A gift in memory of Harold will be donated to Hospice Savannah. Love, Susan Karacostas Scarberry

- Gary & Susan Scarberry, Las Vegas, NV

Our prayers and thoughts soar to meet the sole of the remarkable man whom we never come to meet in person but admired him as a father of his son James Nettles, Jr.

- Marina Guvakova, Wayne, PA

We were both so saddened to hear of Uncle Harold's passing. He was a great mentor to me when I was a young girl... my hero. We will miss him deeply.

- Lois & Rob Houston, Atlanta, GA

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Nettles passing. He was a mentor, a friend, and an infinite source of knowledge. He will be sadly missed by the Memorial Day School family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Nettles and the family.

- Melba Judd, Tybee Island, GA

Beulah, Diane, Pam, Debbie, Susan, Jimmy and Tommy: We wanted you to know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of loss.

- James and Carolyn Cubbedge, Guyton, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I loved and appreciated Mr. Nettles. He will be missed by so many people. God bless you, Dianna Freeman

- Dianna Freeman, Savannah,, GA