James Lee Nagle

Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) James (Jim) Lee Nagle, United States Navy, 81, of Swarthmore, PA, died on July 16, 2026, peacefully at home. He was born on September 12, 1944 to James Donnelly Nagle and Mary Shannon Crain Nagle.

He graduated from Hollidaysburg High School in 1963 and joined the US Navy and the US Naval Reserves retiring after 27 years of service.

He was a rare formular race car driver from 1968 through 1972 sponsored by Woolworths retiring from racing after a racing accident breaking bilateral pelvis.

Jim worked as a pipefitter from June 1967 to July 2000 with the UA Steamfitters 420 Local out of Philadelphia, PA. He worked on many major projects including the 3 Mile Island Nuclear Plants.

He also worked for the Spectrum as the iceman (maintained ice temperature control) for the Philadelphia Flyers games and additional ice programs.

An avid hunter, Jim was a member of Delaware County Field and Service; and holds 4 patents on archery equipment which he sold through his company, Bullet Archery Products, Inc.

His most enjoyable pastime was relaxing in his RV located at Lake Raystown, Pennsylvania where he was blessed to enjoy 30 plus years there.

Jim was a member of the Masonic 220 Lodge, Hollidaysburg, PA; Jaffa Shriners - focused on fun, fellowship, and philanthrophy through the Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA as well as a member the Jaffa Mounted Patrol, Altoona, PA.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dee; his children, Jim, Jr. (Shinobu) of Japan and their sons: Alex and Christopher Lee; Paul (Therese) of Hollidaysburg, PA with their children: Grace, Hunter, Gunnar, Nicholas and Savannah; his stepchildren Christine (Bobby) English of Oxford, PA and their daughters Briana and Allison; Tim (Casey) Walck of Brookhaven, PA and their son Ronin; and Wendy Walck and her daughter Samantha of Springfield, PA. He was preceded in death by his son Patrick. He is also survived by his brother, Charlie (Sheri) of Altoona, PA; brother, Gary of Altoona, PA; sister, Trudy White (Dave) of Kill Devil Hill, SC; brother, Tom (Lori) of Altoona, PA; his sister, Jane McGinnis of Oldsmar, FL; and is predeceased by his brother, Bob (Suzy) of Altoona, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim is being cremated and his ashes will be buried at sea by the US Navy.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for James L. Nagle will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 starting at 11:00 am with a sit-down luncheon to follow at Woodlyn Baptist Church, 1125 MacDade Blvd., Woodlyn, PA 19094, 610-833-5576. The service will be live-streamed on the church website: www.woodlynbaptist.org. Click on “videos” or watch at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, 3551 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 would be greatly appreciated.