Bill Nugent

Most people know that I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer in 2014. In January 2026, our family lost my uncle—my mom’s brother-in-law—Jim Maloney, to the same disease.

The pattern was all too familiar: feeling under the weather, back pain, loss of appetite, weight loss. Nothing that seemed unusual at first. Then came the diagnosis—Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, already spread to the liver and beyond. Jim chose to forego treatment, and just weeks later, we lost him.

Jim Maloney was a son, husband, father, grandfather, career Army officer and combat veteran, ROTC professor, fisherman, mentor, and friend. After retiring from the Army, he became known for his signature white beard and for bringing joy to others as St. Patrick and Father Christmas.

At his remembrance ceremony, one theme came through again and again: Jim’s deep love of family, his service to his country, and the wisdom and guidance he shared so generously. He led by example. His greatest legacy is his family—his daughter, a nurse, and his grandchildren, who serve as a Marine, police officer, firefighter, and EMT. Each one continues his commitment to serving others.

I am running the Cape Town Marathon in honor of my mom, my Uncle Jim, and all those we’ve lost to pancreatic cancer.

I am proud to support Project Purple and its mission to create a world without pancreatic cancer. If you’re able, please consider making a donation—and sharing this page with others—to help advance that mission.