James Nanney

JAMES NANNEY

O’FALLON, MISSOURI -  James Nanney, 95, died at 1:35 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2025 at Jersey Community Hospital.

He was born on January 22, 1930 in Marble Hill, Missouri, and was the son of the late Theodore and Cynthia Caroline (Berry) Nanney Barrett. In 1950, he married Audrey Snuffer, and together they shared many wonderful years of marriage prior to her passing on July 25, 2007.

James was employed as a salesman with Prairie Farms, where he was known for his friendly nature and strong work ethic. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a proud Missouri Tiger football fan and enjoyed spending time on the golf course. His commitment to both fun and community shone through his volunteer work with the SQUIRRELS charitable organization, as well as through his leadership of the Nanney-Hoelscher Golf Tournament, which he helped run for nearly 50 years.

Never one to slow down, James also held the distinction of being the verified world’s oldest competitive axe thrower, a title that perfectly captured his spirited personality and zest for life.

A man who loved life and laughter, he especially enjoyed his trips to Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, where he could relax and share stories among friends. Above all, family was everything to James. He cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will last for generations.

Surviving are his two sons and their spouses, Jim and Karen Nanney of Grafton and David and Ann Nanney of Hendersonville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Michael (Jenni) Nanney, Erin Nanney, Sean (Kayla) Nanney, and Taylor (John) Mikiska; great-grandchildren, Averi Nanney, Cayden Partridge, Kinsley Mikiska, Leighton Nanney, and Maxwell Mikiska; his siblings, Mary Wade of New Town St. Charles, Missouri, Bob (Virginia) Barrett of St. Charles, Missouri, and Russell (Jackie) Barrett of Warrenton, Missouri; along with a brother-in-law, Robert Panosch.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Chester Barrett; his sister, Caroline Panosch; his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Cindy Barrett; and his brother-in-law, Tom Wade.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements.

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