James ‘Jim’ Gregory Nugent Of Southampton Dies July 6

James “Jim” G. Nugent of Southampton died at home on July 6, just shy of his 96th birthday.

Born on July 24, 1925 in Brooklyn, Mr. Nugent attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, where he was inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame. He then graduated from Columbia University in 1948, where he was captain of the swim team.

During summers between high school and college, Mr. Nugent, alongside his two brothers, worked as an ocean lifeguard at Jones Beach. His love for the ocean, body surfing and swimming laps in his pool remained a lifelong passion, swimming in the ocean as recently as last summer.

Upon graduation, Mr. Nugent joined the Bloomingdale’s Management Training Program before returning to Columbia University as the assistant treasurer, where his primary responsibility was overseeing the university’s commercial and residential properties.

Mr. Nugent eventually joined a real estate financing subsidiary of Merrill Lynch: Hubbard, Westervelt & Mottelay as a vice president. Following Merrill Lynch, he became a senior vice president in the Capital Markets Group of Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate before joining TCW Realty Advisors as a partner, and director of business development.

He remained active in retirement, serving on the Board of Directors of Lincoln Hall for over 25 years, including as president. Lincoln Hall is a nonprofit founded in 1863 that provides support to disadvantaged young men.

Mr. Nugent was a longtime member of the University Club of New York, the Southampton Club and the Water Mill Beach Club. He served for many years as an usher at the Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton.

Mr. Nugent was a loving husband to Marianne, to whom he was married for 73 years. He was a devoted father to James G. Nugent Jr. (pre-deceased), Marianne Turner and John G. Nugent; as well as four grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was celebrated in Southampton on July 9 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary at 10 a.m. Plans will be made for a memorial service this fall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor can be made to: East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton, NY 11978-7048.