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James Sankey Obituary

James (Jim) L. Sankey, 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior, September 11, 2006, in Colorado Springs, CO. Jim was born in New Castle, PA, on July 16, 1924. He married Carra (Kay) Bartlett on April 14, 1953, at the Glenview Naval Air Station (Illinois), where they were both serving on active duty in the US Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife, Kay, two sons, Bruce L. Sankey, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Shawn T. Sankey, of Commerce City, CO, and a foster son, William (Billy) R. Miller, of Nashville, TN. Joining the Marine Corps at age 17, Mr. Sankey served his early military years in the Pacific Campaign during WWII and in Korea during the early years of the conflict. During his 21 years of service, he earned a total of 15 medals, including the Air Medal with Three Gold Stars (WWII), a Personal Commendation from Admiral Nimitz for his participation in 22 combat missions, Presidential Citation from the Marine Corps and from the Korean Government, National Defense Medal (Six Battle Stars), and the Sharpshooter and Pistol Marksman Medals. Mr. Sankey was also a Member of the Capital Guard for the Inaugural Ceremonies on January 20, 1949 (President Truman). Mr. Sankey served his later military years as a 1st Sergeant and Acting Sergeant Major, retiring from Active Service in 1964. Jim's second career in life began one night while attending a Nazarene church with Kay. With the same dedication and discipline he had for his country, he now focused on his God and church. At age 42, Jim started as a janitor at Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, TN. He became an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene, and over the course of several years, earned a Bachelors Degree in Religious Education from Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma City, OK, and a Masters Degree in Religious Education from Scaritt College in Nashville, TN. Jim moved his family to Colorado Springs in 1979, where he was a Professor of Christian Education at the Nazarene Bible College for 15 years. Jim had many hobbies. He spent many hours hiking, both alone and with his two sons, traversing the peaks and valleys of Colorado, enjoying all of God's splendor. One of his favorite hikes was the Trail to the Three Apostles Peaks, nicknaming them Peter, James and John. He ascended Pikes Peak over 15 times, and between the ages of 49 and 76, Jim walked 24,902 miles, equal to the circumference of the Earth. Jim was a kind, loving, energetic man with enthusiasm and encouragement for all who knew him. He was deeply loved by his family, and will be sorely missed. Visitation will be at Swan-Law Funeral Home (Colorado Springs) on Thursday, September 14, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Swan-Law on Friday, September 15, at 9:00 a.m., followed at 12:00 noon, by a military burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. Chaplin John Williamson, a good friend, will preside over the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Nazarene Bible College, 1111 Chapman Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 14, 2006.

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3 Entries

Tom & Fern Crider

September 21, 2006

Kay and family.



Was taking my usual look at the prayer requests on the Nashville web page and learned of Jim's passing. I treasure the time we spent together at Nashville First. It was truly a joy to know one of "God's Gentlemen." Our prayers are with you during this time, knowing that Jim is enjoying his new home.

Herb & Mattie Brown

September 20, 2006

Dear Kay & Boys. What fond memories we have of your service to those of us at Nashville First. We are so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was one of God's true gentlemen servants. Our prayers are with you all.Herb, Mattie, Debbie & Brenda)

Brenda Flores

September 14, 2006

To Mrs.Sankey, Bruce& Shawn, I can not express how sorry I am for the loss of Mr.Sankey. I am just so greatful that I had the chance to take care of him, while he was with me at Laurel Manor. I did'nt know him when he was at his best, but I feel that the expressions he gave me with his wonderful smiles, that he knew I cared. He touched my heart the first day I meet him. and I feel I touched his. I would sit in his room and just talk to him and sing some of his Christian songs to him, and he would just have the biggest smile on his face, and nod his head yes. I miss him very much. My prayers are with you all, and my the Lord give you all streangth to get through this most difficault time. Sincerley, Brenda Flores (CNA)@ Laurel Manor

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