Philip G. Nourse

Philip G. Nourse, 87, died on August 16, 2010, at his home of 59 years. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 15, 1923, and moved to Ft. Pierce in 1929. He graduated from Ft. Pierce High School in 1941 and then received his law degree from the University of Florida in 1949. During his school days he was active with the local Boy Scout group and for years held the record of 61 merit badges. He was proud to attain Eagle Scout status. He also served in the US Army during World War II, and during that time, took correspondence courses from John Hopkins.

During his professional career he was in private law practice, served as an assistant state attorney for the four-county area, and retired as a circuit judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. In retirement, he was an adjunct Professor for Indian River State College. He also owned and operated St. Lucie Abstract and Title Insurance Company with his father Guy Oliver Nourse and his daughter LeVan Nourse Fee for over 50 years. He has the record of over 50 years as the longest standing member for the Ft. Pierce Rotary Club, served as past President of the St. Lucie County Bar Association and was a member of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce.

He had many personal interests including extensive traveling, motorcycles, airplanes, boats, construction projects, and all around piddling. He was always proud of his extensive tool collection that all had to have yellow handles. His proudest construction project was the building of his swimming pool in 1957 that he personally built with the help of only one other person.

He was an affectionate husband, father, grandfather and friend. He leaves behind his wife, Jimmie Louise Nourse, of 63 years; two daughters LeVan Fee married to Speedy Fee and Jimmie Anne Haisley married to Rick Haisley; grandchildren Hank Fee married to Jenny Fee; Matthew DeRoss; Blake DeRoss; Tim Fee married to Seran Fee; Mike Fee married to Susie Fee; Richard Haisley II married to Rochelle Haisley; Lee Anne Verdegem married to Luke Verdegem; Quinn Haisley engaged to Chris Wheeler and Whitney Wirth Sirvent; and great-grandchildren Grace and Addison Fee, Peyton and Alyssia Fee, Austin and Julia Fee, Seth and Kye Haisley, Brody and Keegan Verdegem and Madison Sirvent. And last, but certainly not least, he is survived by his loving dog Phoenix and his two independent cats Ace and Boots.


Friends who wish may contribute to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, Treasure Coast Hospice, Indian River State College, or Indian River Presbyterian Church.

Services: Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 from 5-7 PM at Haisley Funeral Home. A service will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will follow at Riverview Memorial Park.