James Irwin Nienhuis

James Irwin Nienhuis (Jim) passed from this life on April 11, 2023, in Houston, TX, at the age of 69. He was born in Houston on January 24, 1954, to Dr. Lester Irwin Nienhuis and Evelyn Rayzor Nienhuis, formerly of Houston and now residing in Tulsa, OK. He was predeceased by his father and is survived by his mother and his sisters, Lisa Nienhuis of Austin, TX, and Gay Nienhuis Greer (John) of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim graduated from Edison Senior High in Tulsa after which he attended Dartmouth College, graduating with a major in geology. He played basketball in high school and on the freshman team at Dartmouth. After graduation, his working life was centered in the tugboat business.

Jim was a kind man who often gave to those in need. He enjoyed fishing and had even drawn a prototype for a fishing lure. Having a soft spot for animals, he especially adored his two cats. His Christian faith was of utmost importance, evidenced by his constant research and writing about the new things he had learned. Jim had a wry sense of humor and would make interesting and amusing observations about things he witnessed. A devoted son, he was attentive and supportive.

Please be loving towards others in honor of Jim. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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

Published by Tulsa World on Apr. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Nienhuis

Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.

13 Entries

The Team at Elijah Rising

January 5, 2024

On behalf of Elijah Rising we would like to express our condolences to the Nienhuis family. We are so sorry to learn about James' passing away. He was a tremendous man of faith and a faithful partner of our ministry. God used him to help us during a very difficult time in our ministry. James, we love you.

Carlos Perla Hernandez

September 12, 2023

I regret so much he passed away. Mr. Nienhuis teach me so many things about history and geology in the internet, I admire very much his work as a christian. My support and love for his family. We'll see in the coming world James, thank you so much. Carlos from Mexico

Amy Colbert

May 12, 2023

Just getting word through college networks about the news of Jim's death. Nienhuis, as he was affectionately known, was a part of a wonderful group of Dartmouth College comrades during his four years in Hanover NH. He loved pick up basketball games, in which he dominated, loved listening to the Marshall Tucker Band, the Greatful Dead, and the Allman Brothers. He played electric bass in an ad hoc rhythm and blues ensemble. He was always ready for a beer pong game, a conversation about history or philosophy, or a frisbee toss. Dartmouth gave him a paradigm shift in ways of looking at the world, and broadened his world view, in ways that inspired and perplexed him, as any good college should. He was kind, humble, had a good sense of humor, and was well liked. He was incapable of cynicism, and rejected it in others with a rueful smile. He will be remembered and missed. Condolences to the Nienhuis ladies, his mother and his sisters who he admired tremendously, and to his father's remembrance.

Keith Williams

May 10, 2023

I had the pleasure of knowing Jim through Sanborn Camps in Colorado. We were campers and staff members together and I can picture Jim working with, giving advice to, helping and joking with young children. He was a patient and kind guy and everyone liked Jim. He had the greatest sense of humor and I remember spending a fall at camp with him working in the hayfields and keeping me and the other guys in stitches. I feel very lucky to have known Jim and call him my friend. You will be missed.

Julie Gibbs Whittle

April 29, 2023

JIMBO as I loved to call him or as Papa Jim, called by my 3 boyz. He was our cornerstone and our mentor, guider and most importantly reality checker...he never passed up a time or was too busy to give life instruction, education guidence or business ideas. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim since I was 16 yrs old and he has been through every step of my life (along side my mother) raising me and my boyz. We will miss his love and laughter and his undaunting spirit of human kindness. We all loved him unconditionally and always will. May God bless his family and may Jim rest in peace. BOOMER SOONER!

Jennifer Gibbs

April 24, 2023

Jim had been my Mothers partner in life since 1987. A father figure to me and my 3 siblings. A Papa Jim to our 6 children and a great grandfather to 7 of theirs. We are completely at loss over is his untimely and sudden passing. There is a huge hole in our family now that can never be filled again. He gave us all hope, love and support whenever we needed it and we miss his wisdom and his one of a kind sense of humor.
Our hearts are truly broken. We know he´s with God and that´s what brings us comfort. Peace be with Jim and all that knew him.
A horse called music by Randy Travis was his favorite song. Listen to it and imagine Jim singing it.
Jennifer Gibbs

Samuel Harris

April 22, 2023

I played basketball against Jim and remember him as a ferocious competitor and a really good guy--he had a most impressive hook shot. My mother was his Jr. High civics teacher.

Jean McDougald

April 19, 2023

Loved getting to know Jim and have good memories of spending fun times at the lake house on Lake Livingston. Jim was a generous man with much faith and I know we will see him in heaven. So sorry for his family´s loss and hope peace and comfort will be their help .
Jean and Gerald McDougald

Chris Ivie

April 19, 2023

My condolences truly go out to all who knew him and especially his mom whom he spoke of constantly. I´m truly shocked by this and truly saddened to hear this as I was extremely close to Jim and worked with him daily on his websites and other projects. If someone could reach out to me that would be amazing. My email is [email protected], name is Chris!

-Sorry for double post as I realized the email was wrong

Betsy Thompson Kennedy

April 19, 2023

Jimmy and I were classmates at Edison and our fathers were partners and close friends as surgeons in Tulsa. Jimmy was always kind to everyone and in particular, his fellow shy classmates. What a gift he left us all, reminding us to be loving to others and all of God´s creatures. My heartfelt condolences to Evelyn, Gay and Lisa. Betsy Thompson Kennedy

Natalia & Joham Jordan

April 19, 2023

We are so thankful that we knew Mr Jim. He was a wonderful mentor and more than that a truly friend. The loss of our incredible friend has saddened us. He remain in our thoughts and prayers. Because the word says to build your life in solid ground as he always remained us, Mr. Jim help us, as he one day said: "Try to find some sense in this crazy fallen world suffering widespread deception" He showed us The Right Sway!
My Deepest Sympathy to the family and friends.
We are trying to communicate with any family member or friend.
This is my email: [email protected]

Alta Gibbs

April 18, 2023

My family shares in the sorry of losing the amazing, loving, giving , brilliant man who was an important part of our lives. We will miss you Jim.

Christopher C Ivie

April 18, 2023

My condolences truly go out to all who knew him and especially his mom whom he spoke of constantly. I´m truly shocked by this and truly saddened to hear this as I was close to Jim and worked with him daily on his website. If someone could reach out to me that would be amazing. My email is [email protected], name is Chris!

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