James Nicholas "Nick" Glavas

James Nicholas "Nick" Glavas obituary, Fremont, CA

James Nicholas "Nick" Glavas

James Glavas Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of Angels Funerals & Cremation - Fremont on Dec. 27, 2025.
It is with deep sadness that we announce our beautiful boy James Nicholas Daniel Glavas, "Nick", 39 years young, took his life in the early morning hours on Sunday December 14, 2025 in Fremont, CA. This was very unexpected. He left us much too soon, and we are devastated.

Nick was a beloved son, nephew and devoted friend to many. He leaves behind his mother Karen Simpson of Vancouver WA, his father George Glavas of Fremont CA, his aunt Linda Jellison of Vancouver WA, aunt and uncle Karen and Rod Booth of Mission Viejo CA, along with great aunts and uncles, cousins and many, many acquaintances and friends.
Those who touch our lives stay in our lives forever, and Nick touched many lives. He was charismatic, with a mischievous smile and wit, a curiosity to learn new things, a wicked sense of humor, and a kind and generous heart. He loved giving gifts, and was very creative and resourceful. He was a natural athlete and loved playing roller and ice hockey as well as soccer, and was an avid snowboarder. He was a foodie with a taste for the finest culinary specialties, and he loved to travel the world. He was competitive at playing games and loved Jeopardy, video games and many others. He lived fully, and would try just about anything once.
Nick was born 5/10/1986 in San Jose, CA. We left the Bay Area for new adventures in San Diego where he graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School, followed by graduating with a Bachelor's degree from CSUSM (Cal State Univ San Marcos). He worked in Marketing for RJ Reynolds in Colorado Springs CO and Los Angeles CA until he chose to move in with his father to work alongside him at his Zeiss microscope business.
We talked every day about everything, and we laughed until we had to cry. We loved each other right down to our last goodbye. He wouldn't end a conversation without a hug and saying "I love you". He was the blessing of my life, he is gone but will never be forgotten, and he will be missed more than words can say. He is at peace, and all who knew him are blessed with so many memories left behind.
Through Nick's sudden death we have realized his struggle with depression must have been at times unbearable, so in lieu of flowers or plants, for anyone interested and able, we suggest donating to organizations in Nick's memory. Here is one we set up for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Nick-Glavas-
Treat each other with kindness. We never know what the person next to us might be struggling with. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please encourage them to get the help they need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Glavas's Guest Book

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January 23, 2026

Karen Simpson posted to the memorial.

January 2, 2026

Katy Popplewell posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of Angels Funerals & Cremation - Fremont posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Karen Simpson

January 23, 2026

My sweet sweet boy, it has been 40 days today without you. An emotional wild ride. I miss you more than I ever thought I could. Thank you for coming to me in a dream. Your message has been heard and shared. I, too am sorry. So deeply deeply sorry. My life now will focus on memorializing you in every way I can. So many people have reached out, I only wish you really knew what you meant to so many! Although I struggle to discover who I am going forward without you, I will manage, somehow, one day at a time. Remember what I always told you-no matter what, the sun will always come up tomorrow.....sunrise, sunset....until I can see you again, always know how very much I loved you-unconditionally.

Katy Popplewell

January 2, 2026

Nick,

I'm so sorry it has taken me this long to write to you. Finding the words feels impossible.

We shared so much time together across five different states, working side by side at RJ Reynolds, traveling, laughing, and dreaming. We talked many times about what our future could look like-even while living on opposite coasts. I will always regret not taking the leap, not risking it all to be with you.

I am so grateful that we reconnected several times last year-working on your resume, sharing advice and guidance during your job search, talking about music, and staying in touch the way we always did. I´m especially grateful that I reached out to you one last time, just four days before you were gone. I wish I had called. I don´t know why I didn´t. But you were on my mind, and I´m thankful we shared those final messages together.

I´m also so incredibly blessed to have spent Thanksgiving with you, to have met your family, and to have been welcomed by your closest friends. That time meant more to me than words can express, and I will carry it with me always.

Life doesn´t feel the same without you. You were truly one of a kind-a kind-spirited soul who never judged a book by its cover. You could make friends with anyone, anywhere, and no matter how much time passed or how far apart we lived, you always kept in touch.

I will forever cherish you as a dear friend, my travel partner, and my work buddy. I still find myself scrolling through years of our messages, wishing you were still here. I hope you´re at peace now and no longer hurting. I just wish I could have seen you one last time. Until we meet again.

You will be forever missed by so many.

With love, always,
Katy

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Sign James Glavas's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 23, 2026

Karen Simpson posted to the memorial.

January 2, 2026

Katy Popplewell posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of Angels Funerals & Cremation - Fremont posted an obituary.