But the work wasn't easy. James, a West Valley truck driver, would come home from a 10- or 11-hour shift, then study U.S. history and science four or five hours each night, and often, all day Saturdays. He did that for about a month to make up for those 3.5 credits that stood in his way of a diploma.

"It just makes a long day," he said.

Studies were tough at times for Jim, too, who says he had to work hard to retain so much information needed for three credits, particularly in science.

But Mary kept him in the game. "There were times when he would say, 'I can't do this.' I'd say, 'Sure you can,"' she said. "I'm just so proud of him, he stuck with it."

James said he dropped out of school when he headed down the wrong path. He said he started work busing tables and stayed in the restaurant business "a good half of my life ... just making minimum wage. I'm sure (the lack of a diploma) played a big part in it — a huge part in it.

"And now, it's just like making up for times that I've missed, all the bad things ... and trying to turn it around," James said. "It's a long time overdue. Weird. I don't even think it's hit me yet."

Brittany is feeling pretty good about graduating, too. She says she struggled in her junior year and the beginning of her senior year, but dreams of becoming a nurse got her back on track.

"I made it a goal for myself to graduate," she said.

The Nunleys are scheduled to flip their tassels Saturday; Brittany will follow them on June 5.

Mary says they're planning a huge party in the park to celebrate.

"I'm still trying to (let it) sink in that I'm actually next weekend going to graduate," James said.

Added his father, "It's a really good feeling. It probably won't do me any good ... it's a little late in life for (a diploma), you know.

"But boy, I feel really good having one now. It's just a really neat feeling. It really is."

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