John "Jack" F. Nash

John F. “Jack” Nash, 86 a life long resident of Devils Lake ND passed away at his home on Friday, November 27, 2020.

John Francis, son of Eugene Claude and Beatrice Nash was born on December 26, 1933 at Devils Lake and was reared and educated here.  Just after turning 17, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 30, 1950 and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1954 with the rank of Airman 2^nd Class.

Jack was united in marriage to Beverly Lee on June 23, 1956 and they established their home in Devils Lake.  They spent 47 years of love and marriage.  They enjoyed traveling and many wonderful summers at the lake lot at Walford’s Point, fishing and pontooning around the lake.  Beverly died on October 31, 2003.

After Jack’s discharge, he returned to Devils Lake and began a 27 year career with the United States Postal Service working as a janitor, clerk and letter carrier, retiring in 1989.  After retirement, Jack became very active as a volunteer in the community and the VFW.  He became part of the Color Guard/Honor Guard in 1989, retiring in 2017. Of those 28 years of dedicated service, Jack served as the Commander.  In 2002, the Honor Guard was named Unsung Heroes and in 2017, Jack, himself, received the November Unsung Hero Award.  Jack also served his community with the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Vice President for 2 years and then as President for 2 years.  He was proud to be a part of the building committee when the new Fire House was built.  Just to keep busy, Jack drove cars for Lake Chevrolet and Marketplace Motors for several years. 

In his younger years he enjoyed spending time at the lake (Walford’s Point), hunting, fishing and pontoon rides.  Jack always enjoyed traveling, and as a member of the Good Neighbor Club he rarely missed an opportunity to participate in the Mystery Trip each year.  Jack also enjoyed bowling and participated in both the Men’s and Couple’s leagues. He also enjoyed many hours playing his Clavinova.  Jack also enjoyed membership in the American Legion and Eagles until they closed.  He always denied he was the cause of their closing, with that glint in his eye and grin on his face. 

Jack loved his family, loved his country and served with honor and with pride, believed in the freedoms he and fellow soldiers fought for and trusted in the promises of his Lord.

Jack is survived by his sister Patrice Calderwood of Whitehall MT, sister-in-law Carol Lee of Devils Lake and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, brothers James and Eugene Nash, sisters Nonie Palmer and Ruth Possen. 

Arrangements are pending for a Graveside Service on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Devils Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.