James Boren (1921-1990) was Nancy's father. He was the second son of five boys, J.D. Jr., James, Jodie, Paul, and Maxie, born to J.D. and Fannie Boren. James was a well-known western artist and served as the first Art Director of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City from 1965 to 1970. After becoming a member of the Cowboy Artists of America in 1967, he went on to win 21 gold and silver medals in their annual exhibitions. He was the Texas State Artist in 1976 and was a member of the National Academy of Western Art. His work is included in many museum, corporate and private collections throughout the country and has been exhibited in Bejing and Paris.
Round Up Time	A Cold Day for Wood Choppers

Jodie Boren (b. 1926) is Nancy's uncle. After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute, which he attended at the same time as his older brother, James, Jodie worked for Hallmark Cards for several years before moving to Abilene, Texas to become art director for an ad agency. In 1968, influenced by the boom in western art, Jodie began transitioning from commercial art to fine art. His award-winning oils, watercolors, and drawings have appeared on the covers of The Cattleman, The Paint Horse Journal, and the Quarter Horse Journal. His paintings have been featured in Southwest Art Magazine and many have been reproduced as Christmas cards. He is retired and lives with his wife in Missouri.

Mae Boren Axton (1914-1997) was James and Jodie's aunt. With collaborator Tommy Durden she wrote the Elvis Presley hit, Heartbreak Hotel, in 22 minutes after she and Tommy read an article in the paper about a man who committed suicide. They were touched by the note he left behind which said, "I walk a lonely street." Mae spent much of her life promoting and encouraging young songwriters and musicians.   Hoyt Axton (1938-1999) was the son of Mae Boren and John Axton. He composed the hit songs Joy to the World, Never Been to Spain (both recorded by Three Dog Night), and the No No Song (recorded by Ringo Starr). His acting credits include the TV shows Bonanza, McCloud, and Murder, She Wrote and the films Gremlins, and We're No Angels with Robert de Niro.