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BORN
1945
DIED
2016
JAMES NICHOLSON Obituary
Jim passed away on November 7, 2016 in Bullhead City, Arizona. He was a beloved father, brother, spouse, grandfather, friend and proud Vietnam era veteran (US Army). Jim was born in Washington, Iowa, Dec 22, 1945. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam era from 1966 to 1968.
After his service in the Army, he exercised his GI Bill benefit to attend technical college and obtained a position as a Field Support Engineer with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Jim spent the next 31 years with DEC, elevating himself to the position of Principal Software Engineer.
Jim was highly respected and admired by his colleagues; Jim was the "engineer's engineer", whose wisdom and common sense understanding of the technology was sought out for council on the most complex diagnostic challenges. In spite of his recognition for senior level expertise, he was always there to support and champion the less experienced interns just joining the field.
Jim became a supportive father figure and sponsor for young people who needed a second chance at life, and a shoulder to lean on. Jim was that person who would help anyone in need, and believed in the goodness of the human spirit.
In his heart he was just an "Iowa Farm Boy"; the sweet taste of new corn on the cob with home churned butter, the smell of fresh pine in the Colorado Rockies, the miracle of a new born baby, the respect of all wild creatures, the appreciation of each sunrise, the innate reward of a good day's work, faith in the creator of our planet, and a profound love of his family were all parts of the man we knew and loved. Jim will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by everyone he touched.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Webster Nicholson, and Martha (Patterson) Nicholson.
He is survived by his son, Christopher James Nicholson of Colorado; two grandsons, Ian and Ryder Nicholson; sister, Sarah Nicholson; two brothers Larry and Mike Nicholson; his life partner, Zoe Anne Lengyel; her son James Lengyel, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to help his fellow veterans via the Disabled American Veteran (DAV) foundation @ DAV.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES NICHOLSON
Sean Till
November 15, 2022
You were a good man. My sister, Zoe Anne Lengyel and her son looked up to you and introduced you to the rest of our family. You were a gentle soul and sorely missed today. I wish I could walk in your door and have a chat like the old days but I can't...I remember you Jim and I miss you. Zoe picked a winner.
Grant Currier
December 16, 2016
Although we lost track of each other over the years I frequently thought of him and counted him as one of my "truest" friends. He was geniune... you new exactly where he stood and he always had your back. I think the thing I will remember most is he had that smile and laugh that just made you feel good. You will be missed by many but we are lucky to have our memories.
Dave Omasta
December 8, 2016
Jim,
You were a great guy. You always helped me out. I will miss you. God Bless.
Eugene Ridge
November 27, 2016
I loved working with you -Jim. Wanted to see you and would have stopped by if I only knew your were in Bull Head. We went there yearly... We had great times @DEC because it was so much fun with great people focused on doing the right thing! Best to Zoe!
Sean Till
November 27, 2016
Jim, you are sorely missed...we are only happy we got to know you and have you in our family. You were a star in our life; we always looked forward to visiting you and thought the world of you. You were so very witty and smart, laughed easy and were a good friend to all who may be down on their luck or be in need of compassion. We will think of you every day and will keep prayers going to Heaven with you on our mind. With many hugs and much love, you are remembered!
November 20, 2016
Love you little brother. Many thoughts and good times
November 20, 2016
Jim, had a pet cow called Colleen, it was our job to go gather the milk cows to bring to the barn for milking. He would jump up on Colleens back and lift me up and off we went into the timbers. we chased Indians, we chased outlaws, many times they chased us. I used to fall off a lot!!! We had so much fun..
There was times we wrestled in piosion oak, climbed trees with poison ivy on them, we used the poison ivy as ladders to climb the trees to get away from the tigers snd lions and polar bears.. These are only some of the adventures we had getting the cows.. We loved and trusted each other beyond belief.
Hell I would have put the apple on my head so he could be the expert archer, all we had was home made bows and arrows. That was and is the trust I always had for him... He's my Big Brothet
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