James E. Nichols Sr.

James E. Nichols Sr., of South Abington Twp., died March 14, a week after his 84th birthday, in Geisinger Community Medical Center, after a fall that resulted in complications, surrounded by family.

Born March 6, 1940, in Clarks Green, he was the son of the late James E. Nichols and Madeline (Travis Nichols) Holgate.

Jim was always a hard worker. In his youth he had a paper route and various odd jobs before graduating from Abington Heights High School. Following his distinguished discharge from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Jim started to hone his craft in the field of residential construction, under Deutsch Homes and Cambridge Homes. Eventually, he went out on his own to build over 100 homes and remodel around another 50 homes in the Abington area, under the name Nichols Construction. Jim stood as a renowned local builder who was celebrated for his masterful craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to his trade.

Those that knew Jim would describe him as a character. Whether he was singing one or two lines of a song, spouting his own concocted silly phrases, or assigning nicknames to every person or thing, he just wanted to make people laugh.

He was always an active person, working sometimes day and night. In his leisure time, he enjoyed cars, golfing with his good friends, dancing to country music, camping and ice cream. He wouldn't miss reading the newspaper every day and the Paper Shop every other week. Mostly Jim loved spending time with his family and friends retelling stories and spreading humor.

Surviving are two sons, James (Monica) Nichols Jr., of Richmond, Va.; and Jeff (Diana) Nichols, of New Castle, Colo.; a daughter, Nadine (Rick) Dixon, of Factoryville, Pa.; grandchildren, Rachel, Heather and Mackenzie Nichols, Kelly and Ian Nichols, Erin, Keith and Logan Dixon; great grandchildren, Kai and Leo Nichols; one sister, Lois Zimmaro; nephew, Tim Tiffany; and niece, Dawn Zimmaro.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Madeline Holgate; his stepfather, Hayden Holgate, who raised him as his own son; and brother, Lloyd Hayden Holgate.

The funeral will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Interment will follow at Miller Cemetery, South Abington Twp. The family will receive relatives and friends Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choosing in Jim's honor.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.

Jennings-Calvey is honored to serve Jim and his family.