Jack Nichols

Jack Nichols SARATOGA SPRINGS - Jack Nichols, 80, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a brief bout with cancer. Born in Berlin, NY on March 17, 1933 he was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Ellen Nichols and his mother Mary Post Dodd. Jack was a devoted husband, father and friend. He served in the Marines during the Korean War and was a former Saratoga Springs firefighter. He was the owner and operator of Spa Moving for the past 40 years. In addition, he was an entrepreneur of several restaurants/businesses in Saratoga Springs including Neutral Corner, The Curve and Anthony’s Country Kitchen. Jack’s life was dedicated to boxing; he learned to box in high school and fought competitively overseas for the Marine Corps. In 1976, he founded the Saratoga Youth Boxing Association (SYBA) and selflessly worked for the past 38 years shaping the lives of countless local athletes in the area. His passion for the sport, sincere dedication and caring for the young athletes he coached and mentored speaks volumes about the person Jack truly was. Jack was extremely proud to be a pioneer of bullying prevention. Although the practice of bullying prevention may be considered a new concept, Jack was instrumental in helping to combat bullying since 1976, the inaugural year of the SYBA. “Once a boy [or girl] learns how to handle his hands and develops poise he does not have to fear any bully. This prevents rather than precipitates violence. The boy [or girl] who can box never looks for a fight. He does not have to because he carries within himself a confidence of his ability to take care of himself.” In honor of Jack’s life, a special boxing event is being held on February 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. where local boxers will compete at the “Jack Nichols Boxing Championships” at the Holiday Inn located at 232 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Jack is survived by his sisters Vonnie Martin of Mechanicville and Leona Nichols, his sons John (Penny) of South Glens Falls, Anthony, Michael (Jennifer), Vincent (Ginger), J.J. (Carrie); grandsons Vincent and Jordan; granddaughters Erika, Sutton, Johnna and Kimmie; great grandson Jaelyn; his dear friend Hank; and several nieces and nephews all of Saratoga Springs. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Friends are invited to join them for a celebration of Jack’s life at the ITAM, 247 Grand Avenue, on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank all the caring staff of The Community Hospice who took such great care of Jack. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jack’s honor to The Community Hospice https://donations.communityhospice.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=208. The Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. Fighting Nichols forever!