James S. Nunneley (July 31, 1910 – April 20, 1967) was a Michigan politician.

James S. Nunneley
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 75th district
In office
January 1, 1967 – April 20, 1967
Preceded byVictor R. Steeh
Succeeded byDavid M. Serotkin
Personal details
Born(1910-07-31)July 31, 1910
Mount Clemens, Michigan
DiedApril 20, 1967(1967-04-20) (aged 56)
Lansing, Michigan
Political partyRepublican
Alma materMichigan State University
Military service
Allegiance United States Navy
RankLieutenant
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life and education

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Nunneley was born on July 31, 1910, in Mount Clemens, Michigan.[1] Nunneley received an education from Mount Clemens public schools, and in 1933 graduated from Michigan State University.[2][3]

Military career

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Nunneley served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy in World War II.[2]

Career

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Nunneley continued to manage his family's business in Mount Clemens when he returned from military service.[2] Nunneley owned a shoe store.[4] Nunneley served on the Mount Clemens Board of Education.[2] On September 1, 1964, Nunneley won the Republican nomination for the Michigan House of Representatives seat representing the 75th district, but was defeated in the general election by Victor R. Steeh on November 3, 1964.[5] On November 8, 1966, Nunneley was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he represented the 75th district, beginning his term on January 1, 1967.[6] Nunneley's victory was considered an upset.[7] On April 20, 1967, Nunneley passed his first bill through the state house. It sought to require identification for ice fishing shanties. According to State Representative Charles H. Varnum, Nunneley did not need to speak about his bill to the state house for it to pass, and Nunneley was given "a lot of kidding" because of this.[4] The same day the bill passed, Nunneley died of an apparent heart attack in his Capitol office.[1][3] The following state representatives acted as honorary pallbearers for Nunneley: Robert C. Stites, Allen F. Rush, Edgar A. Geerlings, William L. Jowett, Warren N. Goemaere, Harold B. Clark, John T. Kelsey, and Joseph M. Snyder.[2] Nunneley's death left the state house in partisan deadlock, with 54 Republican legislators and 54 Democratic legislators.[8]

Personal life

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Nunneley, at the time of his death, was a widower who lived with his father. Nunneley had three children. Nunneley was a member of AMVETS, the Elks, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Nunneley was Presbyterian.[4]

Electoral history

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Michigan House of Representatives 75th District Republican Primary Election, 1964[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James S. Nunneley 3,163 79.87
Republican F. Clinton Rogge 797 20.13
Total votes 3,960 100.00
Michigan House of Representatives 75th District General Election, 1964[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Victor R. Steeh 12,693 53.45
Republican James S. Nunneley 11,056 46.55
Total votes 23,749 100.00
Michigan House of Representatives 75th District Republican Primary Election, 1966[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James S. Nunneley 2,097 70.75
Republican David M. Serotkin 610 20.58
Republican Earl L. Kansler 257 8.67
Total votes 2,964 100.00
Michigan House of Representatives 75th District General Election, 1966[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James S. Nunneley 10,179 55.54
Democratic Victor R. Steeh 8,148 44.46
Total votes 18,327 100.00

References

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  1. ^ a b "Noyle to Nzinga". Political Graveyard. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e Michigan House of Representatives (1967). Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan. 1967 v.2 – via HathiTrust.
  3. ^ a b Michigan State University (1967). Michigan State University Alumni Association November 1967. p. 24 – via HathiTrust.
  4. ^ a b c "Area Legislator Collapses, Dies". The Times Herald. April 21, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved July 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Michigan (1965). Michigan manual. 1963-64 – via HathiTrust.
  6. ^ a b c Michigan (1969). Michigan manual. 1967/1968 – via HathiTrust.
  7. ^ "Colleague Comments On Death". The Times Herald. April 21, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved July 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Republican Legislator Dies at 56". Battle Creek Enquirer. Battle Creek, Michigan. 21 April 1967. Retrieved 22 May 2021.