Dr. Gerald James Nivison

Doctor Gerald James Nivison, age 51, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 21. 2015, at his home in Gilbert, Ariz.
He was born Nov. 1, 1963 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Wayne to James Jay and Ann Lenore Nivison. Gerald was a 1981 graduate of Tawas Area High School, Tawas City. In 1982, he entered Michigan State University where as a freshman he was awarded an Eastman Kodak Academic Scholarship. At MSU he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering before working as a chemical engineer at Eastman Kodak Corporation in Rochester, N.Y.
Interest in semiconductor processing led Gerald to further his scientific study at Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. where he was awarded the Dodge Phelps Competitive Scholarship. He earned a Master of Science (physics) degree in 1993 and also married Bethany Jeanne Swanson. Gerald completed a doctoral program in 2000 earning a PhD in Science of Engineering and Materials. While pursuing his degrees, he was employed as a device engineer-physics and simulation in semiconducting and processing for Motorola/Freescale Corporation.
He was a resident of Gilbert, Ariz. from 2000-2015. Gerald loved coaching football, especially as head coach of Pop Warner football (2004-2008) and assistant football coach at Gilbert Highland High School (2008-2009). Gerald also enjoyed competitive heavyweight body building (2011-2013). Of his life accomplishments, Gerald was most proud of his four sons, Gerald James Nivison III, Nolan David Nivison, Geoffrey William Nivison and Nathaniel Scott Nivison. During a three-year struggle with kidney cancer, he remained employed until December 2014. During those years he also continued his responsibilities as a single father.
Gerald was predeceased by his father, Dr. James Jay Nivison; and brother, James Jay Nivison II. He is survived by four sons, Gerald James, Nolan David, Geoffrey William and Nathaniel Scott; grandson, Kaden James Nivison; two sisters Julia Anne Gracik (Gerald) and Ingrid Nivison; his mother, Ann Lenore Reasner and step-father, Robert Charles Reasner; as well as numerous descendants from the family of great-grandfather Wesley Jordan, grandfather Earl Edgar Jackson and grandfather Gerald James Nivison.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at Gilbert United Methodist Church, 331 S. Cooper Rd., Mesa, Ariz. with burial at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, Ariz. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Cancer Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Memories and condolences may be made by visiting the online obituary guest book at www.queenofheavencatholicmortuary.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary.