It was with great shock and sadness that Gail and I learned of John’s passing.  I first met John when I went to work at VSL. We later transitioned together to Foster Geotechnical and then to RECo.  As others have noted although John was quiet, he had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a witty remark.  
As a colleague he was the go-to engineer that did not shy away from a challenge.  At VSL he was the engineering keystone that help complete the formidable I-15 project.  At Foster he was instrumental in arguing and obtaining a significant change order from the Ohio DOT when others thought it was a lost cause.  At RECo he met the daunting challenge of dealing with tough contractors and exacting DOT officials when he was the Midwest Divisional Engineer.  
John will be missed by the engineering community and all who knew him.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.


Heartfelt sympathy to John’s family. 
John and I worked together decades ago at the Dept of the Navy. I remember him as a kind person and very smart engineer. If I recall correctly, he had a Volvo stick shift and some how convinced me to buy same! Oh there were times as I was creeping through DC traffic I would think “Now why did I Let John convince me to buy a stick shift!” 😊 Nevertheless, it was an awesome car and great advice from John! 

I met John through the Celtic family of music. He was upfront at our shows with a huge smile and his camera... he took some great shots! John supported many bands and it was always a pleasure to see him rocking a BROTHER or Albannach t-shirt!  A kind man that was a staple to the scene.  Thank you John. 

I remember John as a kind, gentle, very bright, soft-spoken young man.  Lisa Sheppard and I double-dated with John and Jay Copithorne to the Reading High Senior Prom a million years ago.  We had not in touch since high school but I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.  Clearly he was very loved and will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.

We are thinking of all of you during this very sad time.  We have happy memories of our times together meeting in Pennsylvania for our annual Columbus Day weekends, and lively games of poker and Pass the Pigs on the Cape. 

As a long-standing member of the Hanscom Ave gang, I can attest to the fact that Johnny was a man of few words, but when he chose to speak, his words would always shatter the silence with  wit and unsurpassed hilarity.  The bond between our families remains as strong as it was when we lived next door.  There are so many stories and great memories of my dear friend. When the Nicholson family gathers again with the Myette’s I expect that the tears, laughter and those stories of “brother Johnny” to flow as they always do.  Oooooooooohhhh

I went to high school with John and some of our class was blessed to have him at our last reunion. He was a very funny,quiet person. He was a gentle soul. My condolences to the family.

John will always be Josh to me.  We met through mutual friends at WPI who lived in the apartment on Fruit Street. Josh was then, and continued to be, one of the most genuinely kind and gracious people I know.  As a mutual friend said, "It was impossible not to like him."  We lost touch after college, but  through social media I was glad to see his family adventures., including Kelli's Icelandic wedding and the birth of his grandson. My deepest condolences to his family.  May light and love surround you. 

My deepest condolences to the Nicholson family. I have lots of fond memories growing up with John and the rest of the Nicholson gang. Everything from the Hanscom Ave shenanigans to the York Beach trips. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Smith Family 
Surfside Beach, SC

I worked with John at VSL, Foster Geotechnical and Reinforced Earth.  My best memories were on the (VSL-Retained Earth) I15 Salt Lake project for the 2000 Olympics.  We must have had nearly 100 walls to design and develop a 2-stage system.  John spent many long hours getting our design drawings approved and with the local precast operation.   John was an excellent Engineer.  John will be greatly missed by all who knew him.   My prayers go out to John’s family and close friends.

I’m sorry to hearing of John’s passing from  another past VSL employee. I have fond memories of working with him in the Raleigh NC office. May he rest in peace. Prayers going out to his family. 

OBITUARY

John Nicholson Jr.

19 November, 1959 – 2 January, 2021

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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