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John Nicholson Obituary
1930 - 2023
Captain John L. Nicholson, USN, (Ret.), 92 years of age, died on March 15, 2023 in Santa Maria, CA. He was born July 6, 1930 in Bombay, India. He graduated from Oberlin College, where he met Evelyn Sadona. They married in 1953 the same year John joined the Navy. John began flight training in 1954 and participated in a total of 11 deployments. Three of these deployments were in a leadership capacity; Operations Officer on the USS Enterprise in 1971, Command of the USS Kawishiwi, 1973-1974 and Commanding Officer of the USS Ranger 1974-1976. It was after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964 in which John 's wingman, Everett Alvarez, was shot down, that John committed to continuous deployments until Everett was released as a prisoner of war 8 1/2 years later. John retired from active duty with the Navy in 1977 and began teaching NJROTC in Sanger, CA until retiring 1994, at which time he also departed Naval Service. One of John 's highlights in his teaching career was receiving a Presidential Letter from President Reagan after 8 students from Sanger 's class of 1985, NJROTC garnered appointments to the US Naval Academy.
Wanting to escape the Central Valley heat, John and Evie decided to retire in Nipomo, CA.
John's love for people, leadership and "Press On" approach to life and Evelyn's commitment, strength and grace, made for a remarkable 68 years of life together.
John was proceeded in death by his parents, John L. Nicholson, Sr., and Amanda S. Nicholson, his sister, Dorothy A. Nicholson and his wife Evelyn S. Nicholson.
He is survived by his four daughters. Paula Gyura (Joseph), Rochester, MN, Jennifer Crawford, Visalia, CA, Jacquelyn Crabb (Charles), San Luis Obsipo, CA, Eve Nicholson, Nipomo, CA, 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A family service for both John & Evelyn will be held this summer in Rochester, MN.
You are welcome to send condolences to the family, share stories and/or view the historic chronicle of John's Naval career at https://greyeagle1.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Nicholson
Kevin K Chedville
December 24, 2023
RIP Captain Nicholson, I known you as being a Great USN Captain (USS Ranger 1975/76. You will truly be missed my thousands of People you have met in your lifetime. GOD be with You. "Pres On"
Bill Thomas
July 23, 2023
Captain Nick was one of my Heroes. I would have followed him anywhere. Rest in peace. Ladies you did a great job. A-7 Corsair II Association
Steve Martinez
July 16, 2023
I learned so much from him as my NJROTC Commander. While attending Sanger High School from 1979-1983. And my first day of school as a freshman. I was late to class. All I remember as if it was yesterday........
"Martinez your late and may I remind you. Your mom works here not good when late to my class son. News travels fast to the front office. Gave me a smirk. And said..... Sit down it's going to be a looooooooong 4 years Mr. Martinez.
RIP Cap your home now
Daniel Steven Martinez
SHS Class of 83
Apache Pride
Eric N. Goff
May 29, 2023
It was a honor to serve under Captain Nicholson on the Ranger from 1974 - 1976. It was a learning experience to be supervised by his daughter Eve Nicholson at the CPA firm Weber Lipshie in the 1990s. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nicholson family,
JERRY ROBERT DEGIORGIO
May 15, 2023
The quintessential naval officer that just happened to be a consummate naval aviator. He would like it that way.
Judy Lopez
April 9, 2023
You were my dear friend over 35 years - dearly loved by my entire family. We miss you, Capt Nick. Press On.
Dean Sevigny
April 8, 2023
Captain Nicholson was my very first Commanding Officer onboard The Ranger. He was the true definition of what Leadership is supposed to be. A truly great and humble man, he most definitely left his mark for others to follow. If we are lucky in life we get that one person that makes that impression on us and leads us to heights we never imagined, Captain John L. Nicholson was that man for me! Fair winds and following Seas Captain and "Press On"
Marvin R. Files
April 7, 2023
I served under Captain Nicholson aboard the Ranger. He was an outstanding officer and a fine gentleman.
Ken Estes
April 7, 2023
A Salute from all USS Ranger Sailors! Fair Well, Sir, Job well done!
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