David Jay Nicholson

David Jay Nicholson

May, 1, 1966 - September 6, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - David J. Nicholson was born May 1, 1966, to Earl (Hot) Thomas and Theresa Nicholson in St. Louis, MO. David was preceded in death by his father Earl, and his sister Frances (Nicholson) Buie.

As a child, David's foundation in Christ was formed at Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, and he was later baptized at New Harmony General Baptist Church in St. Louis.

David was educated in the St. Louis public school system. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University) in Warrensburg, MO. During college he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

After graduation, David worked for Marriott International Food Service and Facilities Management (now Sodexo). He later moved to Bloomington, IL, after accepting the position of food service manager at Illinois Wesleyan University where he worked for more than 20 years. Always fun loving and energetic, David enjoyed interacting with the students and knew them by name. They affectionately called him "Saga" Dave.

David made Bloomington his home and resided there until his death.

David was a loving son, nephew, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. David departed this life on September 6, 2024. David is survived by his mother, Theresa; siblings, Nathaniel, Anthony (Virgie), Valerie (Mark), and Sandra; a host of nieces, nephews, an aunt and uncle, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Evelyn Chapel on the Illinois Wesleyan campus, 1301 North Park St., Bloomington, IL. A repass will immediately follow at the Memorial Center-Young Main Lounge.