James C. Nance
| James C. Nance | |
|---|---|
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| Born | August 27, 1893 Rogers, Arkansas |
| Died | September 3, 1984 (aged 91) Purcell, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | USA |
James Clark "Jim" Nance (August 27, 1893 – September 3, 1984) was a leader for 40 years in the Oklahoma Legislature in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and was community newspaper chain publisher 66 years. Nance served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. During his legislative career, Nance wrote the "Honest Mistake" law which became a model for other states. Nance then became a key sponsor and Legislative Chairman of the U.S. Uniform Law Commission (ULC), sponsored by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, a non-partisan advisory panel which drafted uniform acts and uniform state commerce laws. Nance became known as a legislative expert in a 40 year legislative career as one of two Oklahomans to hold the top posts in both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature. The state's largest newspaper, The Daily Oklahoman wrote he was the "longest serving Oklahoma Legislator" and "A Legislator's Legislator." Nance, a Democrat, is the only Oklahoma House Speaker elected through a bipartisan coalition of Democrats and Republicans.
Nance was a lifelong registered Democrat, yet made Oklahoma history in being elected as Oklahoma's first and only bipartisan coalition Speaker of the House in 1929. Nance was elected with a coalition of dissident Democrats and the Republican caucus of legislators which voting together defeated House Speaker Allan Street, the Democrat establishment candidate. Nance is one of two men in Oklahoma who have been elected both Speaker of the House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Tom Anglin is the other former official. Nance has the additional distinction of serving twice as Speaker and lengthy service as a life member of the U.S. Uniform Law Commission (ULC).
Nance was a publisher of community newspapers in Oklahoma beginning at Chandler in 1918, he and wife Ayleene had owned newspapers in Marlow, Walters and Purcell. A joint partnership with Joe McBride of Anadarko, Nance McBride Newspapers, owned weekly and daily community newspapers in Weatherford, Tonkawa, Clinton, Hobart, Henryetta, Hominy, Mangum, Anadarko, Sulphur, Alva, Poteau and Antlers. The ownership group included a local operator partner in each community. Nance was also involved in a newspaper venture in Lubbock TX.
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