Christopher Nichols

Christopher Anthony Nichols, 44, a devoted son, husband, father and friend, was called to his eternal home on Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Chris was born November 21, 1980, in Corning, New York, beloved son to Walter and Jennifer (Moore) Nichols. Raised in Woodhull, Chris was a 1998 graduate of Jasper-Troupsburg High School. He was a talented student-athlete with many passions including hunting, music and basketball (forever #24). Chris went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mansfield University in 2003. Growing up an avid outdoorsman, Chris developed an interest in whitetail deer and quality deer management which led him to Mississippi State University in 2003, where he served under a graduate student on a vegetation study. He later became a videographer and editor at Mossy Oak Productions in West Point, Mississippi. The two years spent at Mossy Oak allowed Chris the opportunity to travel North America and make a lifetime worth of contacts and connections, ultimately leading him to the whitetail capital of the world, Pike County, Illinois. Chris had an incredible mind, was a continuous student and a natural entrepreneur. In February of 2008, he was recruited to join the Realty1 team, leaving just 8 months later to join forces with John Borrowman and Richard Smith at Pike County Real Estate. During this time, Chris developed a book of business full of buyers and sellers of some of the area's finest hunting properties and homes, many of which became not only loyal clients, but great friends as well. In addition, Chris was also co-owner of PCRE Real Estate & Auction, Inc. until 2024 when Chris's business transitioned to Ridgeline Sales Group where his family of devoted professionals are committed to carrying on Chris's vision, serving clients with the same relationship-driven hard work, integrity and care he poured into his every day. While providing a superior level of service and guidance with every aspect of real estate, Chris used his experience to launch two other businesses in the area, Trash Queen in August of 2016 and Trux in July 2022. To Chris, these were more than just businesses, but these entities created extended family. Chris and his wife, Nikki met in January of 2021, introduced by friends who sensed the strength of the partnership they could share. Their intuition was correct. From the very beginning, Chris and Nikki were bound by shared values, mutual respect and a steadfast dedication to helping others through their love of God. What started as a quiet first meeting soon became the foundation of a deep and enduring love. They were united in matrimony on October 11, 2024. Enamored with raising their greatest joys, Lucas, Lila and Liam, Chris and Nikki were excited for fruitful beginnings of a fresh start. Chris prioritized his relationship with God by modeling the ideal husband, father and son. He led his family to mass every Sunday and instilled the importance of faith in the lives of his kids. Chris enjoyed sharing his passion of hunting with Lucas and Liam and could often be found on a golf course or driving range honing their skills and having fun. He was Lila's biggest fan! Chris never missed an opportunity to support her and show her how to be loved. Chris is survived by his mom, Jenni Nichols, his wife, Nikki, two sons, Lucas Nichols and Liam Simon, and a daughter, Lila Simon. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Bonnie Franke, brothers and sisters-in-law, Scott and Kim Franke, Jim and Sheila Franke and Scott and Lori Hopkins as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Chris is preceded in death by his father, Walt Nichols, father-in-law, Jim Franke, brother-in-law, Craig Franke, nephew, Andrew Dominguez, grandparents, Donald and Patricia Moore and Jack and Ana Mae Nichols as well as a beloved foreign exchange brother, Daniel Fitz. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Pittsfield, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Trux Building located at 14 East Industrial Drive, Pittsfield, Illinois. "The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Chris, who prioritized hard work so he could positively impact others was a cheerful giver. Memorials can be made in his name to: Chris Nichols Memorial Fund (In care of his beloved team at Ridgeline Sales Group.) This fund is being established to carry on Chris's generous spirit to all the charities close to his heart, especially Missions for Christ (a non-profit helping spread the Word of Jesus) and Saukee Nation (a community organization which provides funds for both athletic and non-athletic extracurricular programs in the Pikeland School District). Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher Nichols, please visit our floral store.