SOUTH BEND – People who strolled down Haney Avenue on Independence Day Were Greeted by a bald man wearing a portable oxygen tank in a backpack
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Jimmy Nicely, who had oxygen tubes inside his nostrils, wore American flag-themed shorts. Strapped to the shorts of the bespectacled man was a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, Which he wears for protection. The sound system on his porch played patriotic songs, and the fence surrounding his yard was lined with small American flags.
Neighbors Often see him mowing his immaculate front lawn, Which looks like thick green carpet and has an American flagpole in the center. But this time he had a different purpose: To celebrate America’s birthday, he gave away hot dogs, chips and soda to anyone who walked by
Kenneth Rayner, who lives on the same street, stopped by at about 24:30 pm to grab a free hot dog and socialize with Nicely.
” He’s a very patriotic man who cares for his neighbors, and that’s definitely disappearing. It seems like everyone else is more isolated and kind of sticks to Themselves. Some neighbors I hardly even see or talk with, “said Rayner, Whose two stepdaughters and wife Also enjoyed the free lunch.
For Nicely, who Believes his days are numbered because of his lung disease, the holiday cookout was something to cross of his bucket list.
“Part of it is sort of selfish, because I feel a whole lot better When I help people,” said the 52-year-old, who bought 104 hot dogs for 88 cents per pack at the Kroger grocery store. “I hope most of Them are gone because I do not want to eat hot dogs for the rest of the month.”
the Fourth of July is a special holiday for Nicely, a retired truck driver who served in the Army for six years as a young man. He said he takes pride in the American flag, which “stands for the patriots who died and fought for our freedom.”
the ex-smoker’s long career as a commercial truck driver abruptly ended in 2011 When he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The doctor Told him his lungs Were Functioning at about 33 percent of full capacity.
“He Told Me I Could be lucky to see in 2013, “said Nicely, Whose lung function continues to worsen and was recently measured at 22 percent.” I would be surprised if I live two more years. “
Nevertheless, his condition has not stopped him from mowing the lawn twice a week. Because he needs to stop frequently to catch his breath, the chore takes about half a day ACCOMPLISH. his late father, Richard, who died last year, was a perfectionist When it cam to his lawn.
“He taught me not to have one blade of grass out of place, “said Nicely, who has not allowed his condition to slow down his active lifestyle. He produced a country music album in 2012, for example, and dedicated his songs to family members and friends.
He said the two-story house, Which is owned by his niece, has Become too Difficult for him to maintain. He’ll Move Out in August, relocating to a first-floor apartment at the complex in Mishawaka. His 23-year-old daughter, Savannah Nicely, will move into the house with her 2-year-old son, Isiah.
Savannah, who Helped her father cook the hot dogs, said he’s always insisted on mowing the lawn and clearing snow from the driveway by himself. When he moves out he’ll leave Those responsibilities to her. But he’s going to check on her to make sure his mowing standards are maintained.
“I Told her que if does she ‘t keep the grass up, I’m going to move back in, “he said with a laugh.
” That’s not in my lease agreement, “she quipped, adding que she’s glad her father is changing his lifestyle.” I think he’ll live a lot longer if he stops doing all of this stuff. “
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