John S. Nickels

Just yesterday I was telling a teacher about the pilgrimages that you took many of the classmates on to Washington DC. Having been born there and able to go back was such a delight and a great experience in my life. So many things on a daily basis happen in the teaching field to remind me of you. You were great inspiration and a teacher that you can never forget! Thank you for the Memories again rest in peace Mr Nickels. Pamela Hider-Clark

We have all had many teachers in our lives. But only a handful have made as much of a lasting impact in our lives, even 50 years later, than Mr. Nichols. I still feel like one of his students so i am uncomfortable referring to him as "John".

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I don't think there was ever a class I laughed in more. He had such a gift for teaching even the most mundane subjects.

John Nickels was an icon at Indian Hills. One of the best teachers any student would be lucky to have. He taught more than the subjects we were in his class for, he taught us honesty, compassion, empathy, fairness , the world around us and much more. He will be missed by many! Prayers and condolences to family, fur kids, students and Teachers whom were privledged to of known him. Rest in peace Mr. Nickels you will be missed but never forgotten!

While I was a student at both Indian Hills and Shawnee Mission East when Mr. Nickels was teaching, I somehow never did find myself in one of his classes (although I did hear from fellow students that I missed quite an experience). However, many years later, Mr. Nickels and I met when I began working at Great Plains SPCA, and I was so very fortunate that he allowed me to care for his beloved pets. We had many conversations about connections at our schools, the Royals, and the Chiefs. It was...

Mr. Nickels was a great teacher and a funny guy. He assigned us to read Ender's Game, which is the only book I enjoyed that was required reading. I remember he asked me to stay behind class because he sensed something was wrong with me. I said I was find, but the following year I spiraled down into a deep depression. I never spoke to him after my freshman year of high school, but now I realize that I should have thanked him for looking out for me even though I didn't know he was at the time....

He taught all 4 of my children, 2 at indian hills and 2 at sme. He was such a positive influence!! So sorry to hear of his passing!!

Mr. Nickels was always such a nice man when he brought his dogs in for us to take care of them. He was always full of stories and was always genuinely happy. Sad to see such a nice man gone. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fur-kids.

terrific memories from Indian Hills Junior High School.