James Burrell Nichols, Jr., 89, of Beaumont, died Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Dubuis Unit at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on December 16, 1921, in Essex County, Windsor Ontario, Canada to Marie Margarite Meloche Nichols and James Burrell Nichols. On August 29, 1940, he married Geraldine Violet Gilliland at Price Methodist Church outside of Lainsburg, Michigan. Starting in 1944, he served in World War II in the Army European Theater Operation in Germany for two years. He continued service in the Michigan National Guard until his retirement at the rank of Captain and was a decorated Veteran. In June of 1953, he and his family moved to Beaumont, Texas and started Nichols Tile Sales on Gulf Street which was in existence for over fifty years. He and his family were members of the Northend Methodist Church where he was a district lay minister and Sunday school teacher. In the mid 1950’s, he and his wife founded Cub Scout Pack 65 which is still active today. He was very active in the community volunteering in the ICU at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth for thirteen years and “Gift of Life” Prostate Cancer Support Group as a peer counselor, YMBL, and the Sabine Area Homebuilders Association. Jim was an avid golfer serving on the Board and as President of the Wildwood Resort. His devotion and love for his family and other people was immeasurable, always offering a smile and often a rose grown from his own garden. Every day was a God given blessing that he was so thankful for.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jadeanne Joy Nichols Hayes and her husband, Jeffrey Lynn Hayes and his son, James Charles Nichols all of Beaumont; four grandchildren, Kelli Kathryn Hayes Trevino and her husband, Paul Matthew Trevino, James Kyle Hayes and his wife, Ann Perkins Hayes, Jason Roy Hunter Hayes and his wife, Janice Mazzoli Hayes, and Abigail Violet Nichols all of Beaumont; nine great grandchildren, James Jeffrey Trevino, William Jordan Reese, IV, Mary-Caroline Trevino, David Carroll Perkins Reese, Anne Kathryn Trevino, Lauren Grace Hayes, Walker O’Hara Reese, William Huston Hayes, and James Jeffrey Harrison Hayes; niece, Jan Marie Nichols; and nephew, Dennis Nichols both of Michigan.
He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-two years, Geri; parents; and his only sibling, Charles Robert Nichols.
A graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2011, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Dr. James R. Fuller of Calder Baptist Church where Jim was a member for the last fifteen years. Friends may visit at the funeral home anytime Sunday, September 11, 2011.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the love and compassion shown by Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth and the Dubuis Unit, and especially to Dr. Suresh B. Indupalli and Dr. Keith Wied.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or “Gift of Life”, 148 South Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
