Dr. James "Jim" E. Nolan, 82, of Sunset Beach, NC passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice House of Brunswick.

Born on September 26, 1941, in Raeford, NC, he was raised in Bennettsville, SC, the first of four children born to Jesse Franklin Nolan and Kathleen Allred Nolan. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Jesse Franklin Nolan, Jr.

Jim's love of the salt life began in the early 1960s as a Myrtle Beach lifeguard. He formed a partnership with his former employer and H&N Beach Service was approved by the city in 1975.As a Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Jim trained numerous lifeguards over the years. He was a former board member of Horry County Red Cross and a graduate of Leadership Grand Strand. Jim excelled in high school sports and set track records as a undergraduate at Gardner Webb. In 1966, he enlisted in the US Army. Jim was a member of the 101st Airborne, qualified for and completed Special Forces (Green Beret) training at Fort Bragg, NC; Medic training at Fort Sam Houston, TX; and completed Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, FL. In 1969, Sergeant Nolan was honorably discharged as an A Team 6th Special Forces Medic. Jim returned to Gardner Webb University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Master of Arts in Counseling at Appalachian State University; Educational Specialist at University of South Carolina and Doctor of Education at Nova Southeastern University. He was licensed with the National Board of Certified Counselors. Jim positively impacted the lives of many students. His career spanned 34 years in the South Carolina public school system as a teacher/coach (football, wrestling, track) at Myrtle Beach HS; Counselor/Administrator at Socastee HS; and Administrator/Principal at McCormick MS. A short-lived retirement with a move to North Carolina led to 9 more years as a Counselor/Administrator at Landis MS. It was then time to return to the coastal life and the Grand Strand area he loved. Jim enjoyed long walks on the beach no matter the weather, surf fishing, and local seafood.

Surviving are his loving with of 47 years, Leslie Nolan of the home; a son, Ryan Nolan of Piedmont, SC; a sister, Nancy Nolan, of Goose Creek, SC; a brother, Jerry Nolan (Lynn) of Taylors, SC, two nephews, Travis and Christopher; a niece, Holly.

Honoring Jim's wishes, no local service is planned. A private family celebration will be held later.

The family requests with gratitude that donations to be made in his name to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare "SECU Hospice House" of Brunswick. (955 Mercy Lane, SE, Bolivia, NC 28422) with much appreciation to the staff and volunteers for the gentle kindness, professionalism and dignified care provided Jim during his final days.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Brunswick House
955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia NC 28422
Web: http://www.lifecare.org