John Stephen Nichols II

John was born in Arcadia, FL and grew up hunting and fishing with his brother and friends on family property in Ft. Ogden, FL He attended church and Sunday school at the First Baptist Church in Ft. Ogden where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. John graduated from the DeSoto County High School and attended college for two years in Gainesville. After two years he told his parents he was wasting their money and didn't want to go to college any longer. When asked what he wanted to do he replied, "I want to fish." Whether casting a line at Boggess Lake, pulling crab traps in Turtle Bay, or hauling in shrimp nets in the Gulf of Mexico, John was happiest on the water. He will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor and the amazing cuisine he prepared for family and friends. He was adored and loved by children and animals alike.

John is survived by the love of his life and companion of 18 years, Mary Blake of Tallahassee, FL; a son, Cash Nichols of Tarpon Springs, FL; his parents Steve and Diane Nichols and brother Wayne (Shirley) Nichols of Ft. Ogden, FL; 3 nieces, two nephews and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A private service will be held at a later date.