James D. Nichols

James “Nick” Donald Nichols, 80, of Gainesville FL passed away on Oct 15, 2016 at Haven Hospice after a brief fight with pancreatic cancer.
He was born July 16, 1936 in Leatherbark, Calhoun County, WV of Desmond and Goldie Nichols.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Rosanna Hersman Nichols and daughter Joyce Anne Nichols of Gainesville FL, brother Robert Nichols and sister-in-law Linda Nichols of Reedy WV, and nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Calhoun HS in 1954 he joined the US Air Force as a Medical Technician. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars for 3 tours. He earned his Paratrooper and Jump wings in 1962. His career took him to Thailand, Philippines, and Guam. He retired in 1979 as a Master Sargent supervising an ER at Scott AFB IL after serving 24 years and moved to Houston, TX. At the age of 70, he retired from a second career as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in 2006 with more than 20 years of service and moved to Gainesville FL to be with his daughter.
He took up cycling in Houston and participated in many Bicycle Marathons. After his second retirement he discovered a passion for reading and devoured hundreds of books. He was interested in gardening and loved roses; the heritage green rose was his favorite. He shared his daughter’s passion for Koi and helped with Koi Shows for the Gainesville Koi Club.
He was a Mason for over 40 years and obtained his lifelong dream of becoming a Worshipful Master at Archer Lodge #197 in Gainesville, FL. His contributions and support will be missed by his brother Masons.