James Earl "Jim" Nicholson

James Earl "Jim" Nicholson was born on September 3, 1939 to James Bennett Nicholson and Olene Nicholson, and died on February 15, 2026 at 86 years of age.

Jim was born and raised in San Angelo with strong values of faith, education, and service that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from high school in 1957 before attending the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors with a degree in mechanical engineering and was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi. He later earned his master's degree from Southern Methodist University.

Jim was a licensed Professional Engineer whose career was marked by excellence and integrity. He held several patents and in 1976, he was honored with Johnson & Johnson's National Engineering Award, a testament to his innovation and dedication in his field.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim devoted himself to his family and his community. He served on the boards of Camp Fire and Home Hospice of Grayson County, and delivered Meals on Wheels and Children's Express. He especially loved serving as a volunteer at Perrin Early Learning Center where he delighted children by running his childhood electric train at the Winter Wonderland Celebration, assisted at festivals, and proudly served as the official tricycle repairman. In March 2025, he was recognized as SISD "Volunteer of the Month". Jim was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian church, and as a member of First United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas, he was a faithful member of the bell choir, sharing his love of music in worship. A talented musician, Jim played both the piano and trombone.

Jim married Ann Kilpatrick on August 26, 1961, and they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. After Ann's passing, he married Carolyn Montgomery on October 29, 2016, and together they traveled to 39 countries, enjoying life and sharing many adventures.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; daughters Nancy Jung and her husband Donnie; Sally Dutter and her husband George; and Marge Qualls and her husband Russ; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; as well as Carolyn's children: Bobby Montgomery and his wife Shelle; Kimberly Raymond and her husband Todd; Elizabeth Stutsman and her husband Robert; and Jane Simonson and her husband Scott. He also held a special place in his heart for exchange student Nina Schjoldager of Norway. Jim and Carolyn enjoyed amazing people by proudly telling them that, together, they had seven children, twenty grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, with great-grandchildren numbers eight and nine expected in March.

In addition to all things family, Jim enjoyed seeing the world, touring factories, eating Blue Bell ice cream, and collecting antique rulers.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas, on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following in Binkley Hall.

Memorials can be made to:

Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County

www.graysonhabitat.org

Meals on Wheels Texoma

www.mowot.org