James Frederic Nichols, 85, of Gilson, died peacefully at home Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10:45 a.m.
Jim was born July 1, 1935 in Galesburg, the son of Frederick W. and Floy E. (Breece) Nichols. He graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic High School and attended Western Illinois University. He married Anita M. Nelson on December 15, 1972 in Galesburg. Jim is survived by his wife, Anita of Gilson; two daughters, Kimberly Ann (Mike) Hasselbacher of Galesburg and Michelle Lynn Storm of Dahinda; three sons, Mark Jeffery (Rhonda) Nichols of Galesburg, Christopher James Nichols of Knoxville, and Matthew Howard Nichols of Gilson; one brother, Gary Nichols of Galesburg; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one son, Little Mark; one brother, Robert Nichols; an infant sister, Susan Nichols; and one great granddaughter, Kelsey.
Jim was a hardworking man. He spent a few years working at Admiral, was a life-long farmer on the family farm, also working at Sampson Implement, Swanson Seed CO., and did some winter work for Shoop Auction Services. He loved restoring old tractors, especially John Deere and still had 29 in his collection. His only greater love than farming was his family. Jim was a man of great faith and a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He was a good, kind, and sweet man who always greeted everyone with a smile.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with the rosary prayed at 7 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be enforced. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Father Jacob Rose will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following mass. Memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation or to SUDEP.
