James Gerald Nickens Jr.

James Gerald Nickens Jr, age 64, of Mabank, Texas passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022. Gerald was born September 24, 1958 in Baton Rouge, LA to parents, James Gerald Nickens Sr and Beulah Gregiore Nickens. He was raised in Galvez, LA and graduated from East Ascension High School in Gonzales, LA in 1976. This same year in 1976, Gerald asked Jesus into his heart and life. Because he was tired of running from God. Upon this decision he was free of guilt he was carrying and lived his best life for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He married Glenna Marie Ruff in 1980. Gerald started his career working in the Chemical Plants in Geismar, LA. He worked as a Millwright in different Chemical Plants along the Mississippi River throughout the years. He worked for the Gulf States Utility Company as a Lineman. He took his family to Saransk, Russia for a 14 months in 1993 on a missionary trip to start a church. This Church is still active today. Gerald went to study missionology at MTI Bible College in Baker, LA in 1995. He moved his family to Pueblo, CO in 1998 where he worked at Rocky Mountain in Steel Mill, Fort Carson and Pueblo Chemical Depot. In 2018, he moved to Mabank, TX. He retired in 2020. Gerald Loved God, his wife,children, and grandchildren. Gerald enjoyed going to his camp he called “Ruff Waters” in the backwoods of his favorite pasture, his Father-In-Law left to us in Mabank. This was his favorite place to be. He loved to bring family and friends for the day or to camp in the cabin for the weekend. Gerald loved for the kids to ride the 4 wheelers, swinging on the tire swing, fishing, and climbing in the treehouse he built. Gerald had a special bond with his German Shepard, Sampson; who was loyal to him everyday. He loved to build fires when it got dark to just sit around and enjoy the beauty of what God had given him. This brought him great joy. Gerald loved his coffee and bible time in the mornings. He loved his children Candace, JoJo, and Thomas with all his heart and soul - grandchildren Jyrius and Jayiden – great nieces Christine, Dixie, Harmony, Trinity, Jolie – and his special friend Jaden Zapata Bradshaw. When our children were young, these young people came into our home. They were our children's friends and we decided to keep them as our own. They had families of their own, and throughout the years, we kept up with them. This is what we call our Colorado adopted children; Shauna Tienda, Randi Droll, ReaAnn Crouch, and Brandon Black; and our adopted Texas daughter, Jennifer Sheehan; and their families.

Gerald is preceded in death by his father, James Nickens Sr, and daughter, (JoJo) Johana Nickens.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Glenna Nickens of Mabank, TX; daughter, Candace Nickens of Mabank, TX; son, Thomas Nickens of Mabank, TX; grandchildren; Jayiden Castillo and Jyrius Bensik.

A Visitation will be held Friday, December 9, 2022 in the Chapel of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will occur in the Chapel of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10:00am; officiated by Rev. David Jordan. A Graveside service will take place immediately after service; located at Oaklawn Cemetery, Mabank, TX

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Jyrius Bensik, John Ruff, Jake Bensik, Mark Castillo, Jim Miles, and Shane Shortnancy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Nickens family.