James R. Nash, 76, a farmer and real estate salesman, died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Presbyterian Home, Evanston. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Nash served in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, said his son, James Nash Jr. When he returned to Iowa in 1945, Mr. Nash bought several farms and raised Black Angus bulls until a drought prompted him to seek a career change in 1956. He joined his brothers Richard and William in Chicago. Mr. Nash began his career in real estate as a salesman for Baird & Warner. In 1960 one of his customers introduced him to Regina O’Connell. They were married a year later and moved to Evanston. In 1962 Mr. Nash and his brother Richard started Nash Realty in Winnetka. He worked there for 24 years, selling his part of the business to his brother in 1986. “He really liked to deal with people and help get them into their first house,” his son said. Mr. Nash continued to work part time at real estate firms with his son and his brother William until failing health forced him to retire in 1999. Mr. Nash also is survived by three daughters, Catherine, Maura Kennedy and Regina Claire; and five grandchildren. A funeral mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview.
