James Curtis Nichols

Jim is survived by his daughter Tracy Lynn Nichols; sons Michael Alan Nichols and Steven Edward Nichols; daughter-in-law Kelly (Miller) Nichols; grandsons Bryce McAdam Nichols, Graham Michael Nichols, and Drew Addison Nichols; and granddaughter Chloe Blair Nichols. He is preceded in death by his sister Adoris June Nichols; his first wife Jennie (Olson) Nichols; son Robert Lee Nichols; granddaughter Jennie Marie Nichols; grandson Travis Alexander Nichols and second wife Shirley (Weiner) Nichols.

Jim was born in 1938 on the Ides of March in Kansas City, Missouri to Elmer and Omega Nichols. He graduated from the school of hard knocks (Shawnee Mission High School) in 1956. After high school, Jim attended Ohio Northern University where he was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity. Eventually he went on to earn a BS in Mathematics. While at Ohio Northern, Jim met his first wife Jennie and over time the couple welcomed four rambunctious kids into their home.

He joined the Naval Reserves in 1955 and served for over 30 years. He retired in 1989 as a E8, ATCS, Senior Chief Electronics Technician. He was deployed in 1961 as part of the Berlin Wall crisis, helping to avoid a war with the Soviet Union. He was also briefly deployed to Cuba as part of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jim also served in NERA (Naval Enlisted Reserve Association) to help further the protect the benefits and interests of military reservists.

Jim specialized in technology for most of his professional career. He spent many decades with several Kansas City companies providing data processing and financial software. He modeled a very strong work ethic, which is one of many positive traits he passed on to his kids. He also often consistently preached the importance of education. He will be remembered as a supportive father who encouraged his progeny not only to plan for the future but to actively pursue their goals.

Jim was a man of faith and attended many churches through the years. He was among the founding members of Indian Heights United Methodist Church in Overland Park, KS. Most recently, he was a member of Heritage Presbyterian in Olathe, KS. Throughout his life, Jim continually stressed the importance of God to his children and grandchildren.

Jim was passionate about contract bridge and bowling and often indulged in related activities. He achieved Bronze Life Master status based on his bridge prowess. And though he never bowled a perfect game, he came close several times. Jim was also a ham radio operator who operated under the call sign N0GBU. He had varying degrees of success passing these passions along to his children, but more importantly he taught them the importance of being passionate.

Jim was also a proud member of Austin’s Old 300. This is a group that traces its’ lineage back to settlers who received land grants as part of Stephen F. Austin's first colonial contract in Mexican Texas.

Jim was an ebullient man who valued relationships. He travelled extensively and lived in many places, but the people were always what Jim cherished. Jim was a good conversationalist but an even better listener. His dry sense of humor and somewhat serious demeanor could sometimes make him hard to read, but he loved with his whole heart and was loved by many. He will be sorely missed.

The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 AM on November 1, 2024 at Carnegie Village in Belton. Ronda Welander, pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church, will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association or American Cancer Society.