James Norwood Nappier

James Norwood Nappier formerly of Shawnee, Kansas, passed from this life on January 12, 2022 at home in Etna, Ohio.

James, also known as Jay or lovingly as Jaybird to his friends, was born on November 1st, 1935 in Desoto, Missouri to Earl and Thelma Nappier. James attended school in Desoto, Missouri where he graduated and then enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1953.  Jay married Beverly Clara Boly in October of 1956.  They had four children.  Beverly Ann Vlasek (Nick) of Hunt ,Texas; James Norwood Nappier, Jr. (Lacy) of Loxahatchee, Florida; Alan Dale Nappier (Margaret) of West Palm Beach, Florida; Cheryl Lynn Potts of Etna, Ohio.  They lived in various locations near military bases during his 20 year career. They settled in Shawnee, Kansas after retirement from the Navy in 1974 as an aviation jet mechanic chief petty officer. Jay and Beverly divorced in 1979 but would remain lifelong friends.  Jay then spent the rest of his time with his life partner Donna Cropp until her death in 2018, traveling North America in their RV.  After retirement from the Navy, Jay worked as a mechanic for 10 years at Martin City Redimix and then as an installer/cleaner for TSM for 25 years with his bestfriend J.D. Heitman until full retirement.

Jay then spent the remainder of his life with friends and family and his beloved dog Chuck in Shawnee, Kansas until moving to Ohio with his daughter Cheryl in 2019.

He is survived by his four children as listed above, grandchildren Raechel Diane Page (Clay) of Shawnee, KS; Tara Lynn Hise of San Angelo, Texas; Stephanie Solomon of Granbury, Texas; Carey Ann Nappier of Euless Texas; Jessica Nappier nomad; and Beth Nappier of West Palm Beach, Florida.  10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Jay is preceeded in death by his parents Thelma & Earl Nappier; brothers William Nappier (Gloria-living), Clayton Nappier (Virginia), John Nappier (Demarius.) sisters  Glenda Christenson (George) and Linda Momen (Bill). His life partner Donna Cropp; his bestfriend J.D. Heitman; and his loyal companion Chuck.

Visitation will be held Monday January 24th  from 6 to 8pm at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee KS.  Services will be held on January 25th at 11am at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee KS, followed by the burial at Shawnee Memorial Gardens, also in Shawnee, KS.

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