Vernon Dean Nims was born in Sumas, WA in 1926. Vernon spent his early childhood on the family farm east of Sumas. He moved with his parents to Bellingham at age 9. After high school he joined the Army Air Corps as an air cadet. After being discharged after the war in 1945 he built and operated a small cafe in north Bellingham.
He moved to Seattle in 1950 and worked on the waterfront for 8 years. During this time he met Bernadean Dittenhaver and they were married in 1953. Bernadean was born in 1927 in Cleveland, OH. They built and operated a boat shop in Lynnwood, WA until 1960 when they were divorced. Vernon then went into automobile sales, a vocation which he was to follow the rest of his working years. Vernon usually owned a boat and spent much time with his family on the water.
Vernon married Judy Clarke in 1962. Judy was born in 1940 in Kalama, Washington.
He married Kathleen Isabel Ellquist in 1968. Kathleen was born in 1930 in Duluth, MN. Vernon and Kathy were living in Seattle in 1996.
Vernon and Bernadean had the following children:
| Cheryl Lee Nims | Born in Seattle, Washington in 1954 |
| Craig James Nims | Born in Seattle, Washington in 1956 |
Vernon and Judy had the following child:
| Vernon Dean Nims Jr. | Born in 1964, in Seatlle. |
Vernon and Kathleen had the following child:
| Rene Victoria Nims | Born in 1969 |