James "Jim" Henry Nash

NASHVILLE , TN—James Henry (Jim) Nash died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 24, 2023. He was born September 12, 1934 in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Henry Alton and Azzie Lee (Robertson) Nash. He is survived by his loving spouse of over 63 years, Barbara (Moseley) Nash; sons Robertson (Marcie) Nash and William (Deborah Evans) Nash; and grandchildren Emery and Benjamin Nash and Hadley, Christopher, and Michael Evans Nash.

A graduate of Baylor University (B.A.), Southern Theological Seminary (M. Div.), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D. Min.), Nash was ordained in the Southern Baptist Church in 1957 and became a Presbyterian minister in 1966. He took his vocation seriously, such that his professional role was a profoundly important part of his personal identity. During the 45 years of his ministry, he served churches in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. In 2002, the Nashes retired to Florence, Alabama where they were active in efforts to reform Alabama’s state constitution. They relocated to Nashville in 2013.

A dedicated genealogist, Nash spent years researching his family’s past. Barbara, Robb, and Will recall countless hours spent “cemetery hunting,” accompanying him on trips to graveyards throughout Georgia and South Carolina, where he collected data that became the foundation of his two self-published volumes detailing their history: The Georgia Descendants of Edward Walker Nash and The Homeplace. In addition to genealogy, Nash’s hobbies included photography; collecting traditional ceramics and antique cameras; and voraciously reading fiction, history, and theology. He often remarked on the pleasure associated with acquiring a new book, and in his later years he got joy from passing on parts of his library to family members, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Legacy Fund of Westminster Presbyterian Church are suggested. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 22, at 2 pm, with visitation for the hour preceding and a reception to follow. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Nash family.