Nadene Calvert James, daughter of Henry and Margie Calvert Batcheller, was born on April 26, 1919 in Paton, Iowa.  She grew up and attended school in Paton, graduating from Paton High School in 1936.

At the home of her parents, on March 5, 1939, Nadene married Berl James. The couple farmed for many years in the Paton and Dana area.  Nadene and Berl purchased the Champlin Service Station in Dana and were owner/operators for many years.  Nadene continued to operate the service station after her husband, Berl, became ill.  When the service station was sold, she became a bookkeeper for Eldon Juhl in Dana, retiring at the age of 72.

Nadene was a charter member of the Happy Hour Club; 4-H leader for over 20 years and was a staunch Democrat.  She was active member of the Salem United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the Order of the Eastern Star.  She loved her family and followed her grandchildren in their sports activities and careers.  Nadene was a devoted and giving person.  She enjoyed baking and was known as the “candy lady”.  Nadene was a regular attendee of the Greene County Fair.  She loved to quilt. 

Nadene James died June 14, 2006 at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  She was 87 years of age.  Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Berl, in 1976; one sister, Darlene Clifton and one brother, Duane Batcheller.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandra (LeRoy) Wessling of Urbandale, Iowa and Colleen (Galen) Lindgren of Paton, Iowa; 5 grandchildren; Jeffery, Christine and Scott Wessling and Tiffany and Justin Lindgren; and 6 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Tanner, Sydney, Noah and Cole Wessling.