Craig James Nichols

Craig James Nichols, known affectionately as "Nick" to his loved ones, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of November 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. Born on June 4, 1953, to Jack Frank Nichols and Blanche Jean Warriner Nichols at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro, PA, Craig lived a life marked by distinguished service, unwavering love, and an enduring spirit.

Craig's journey through life was characterized by courage, determination, and adventure. His passion for motorcycles and loyalty to his friends were sparked while still in high school. Some of his fondest memories and stories were about riding with friends and taking on projects and challenges with them. He loved walking the hills on the farm, the peace of the hills was something that lived in his heart and he always longed to return there.

He graduated from Wellsboro Area High School in 1973 and promptly joined the military via a delayed entry program. His commendable service to his country was evident in his time spent as a crew chief on a Huey helicopter in the Army from 1973 to 1976.

Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Craig attended Emery School of Aviation from 1978 to 1979, using his GI bill to earn his civilian pilot ratings. It was there that he met his wife and best friend, Teresa Vaughn Books, or "Terry." They married 12/22/1979 and their enduring relationship is one of mutual respect, deep affection, and unwavering companionship.

Craig's love for flying led him to Arrowhead Airways at Anoka County Airport, Janes Field in Blaine, MN, where he worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot from 1979 to 1989. He truly loved flight instructing and "hangar-flying" with friends. He appreciated the good humor, storytelling, and experiences shared by other pilots. And his avid enthusiasm for aviation was nurtured as he discovered the many vintage aircraft hiding in the hangars on the field and connected with the owners , pilots, and mechanics who shared his passion.

He later piloted a King Air for the University of MN, transporting doctors to smaller communities as part of the U's Medical Outreach program, a position he found gratifying and interesting. He built lasting friendships with the doctors and community members he met along the way. Even when the University closed their flight department, he continued flying those Outreach flights as a charter pilot with Jetways for another two years.

In 1998, he joined S.T. Specialty Foods, flying a Citation II out of Flying Cloud Airport, where he transported staff and clients for business and pleasure across the country, including fishing trips to Canada and Alaska and pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota. His experience as a pilot was enriched by these people and places, fostering in him a deep appreciation for the positive impact aviation could have on individuals' lives.

Throughout their years in aviation Craig and Terry embraced their love for aviation in their personal lives as well. They shared many wonderful days with each other and with friends rebuilding two Aeronca Champs and their own1947 taildragger, a PA12 Supercruiser; and earning their float ratings and balloon ratings.

Upon retiring from flying, Craig maintained his interest in hunting and firearms while working part-time at Cabela's. He delighted in interacting with customers and coworkers, building a network of friends who shared his interest.

When Craig retired from Cabela's, he spent more time on family history research, another strong interest he'd had since high school. In between trips to places of interest and cemeteries, he used Ancestry to trace multiple lines back to England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland and more.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kevin Morrell Nichols. Their memories remain a treasured part of his life story. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry, their two sons, John Thomas (Marna) Nichols and a cherished granddaughter, Zara Mae of Dunedin, New Zealand, and Joshua William (Sage) Nichols of Eden Prairie, MN; as well as his sister-in-law, Nancy Nichols, his nephews, Michael Thomas Nichols and Jared Craig Nichols, and their mother Barb Nichols.

Craig's unique sense of humor and loyalty to family and friends will be deeply missed but always remembered. In his memory, we share his favorite poem, "High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.," which follows this obituary.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring..

In lieu of flowers, donations to EAA Young Eagles or the Humane Society (ASPCA) will be appreciated.

High Flight

By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."