James Harold Nettles

James Harold Nettles 1918 -2008 - SAVANNAH - 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 Savannah Morning News April 24, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .