Jim Nichols was born to Burl and Ila Mae (Hooser) Nichols in Hobart, Oklahoma on May 4, 1937. He grew up in the Mountain Park/Centerville area of southwest Oklahoma, where Jim, with his brother Larry, participated in cub scouts and boy scouts, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. On May 27, 1955, Jim married Patricia Hicks of Snyder, OK, his high school sweetheart, just 3 days after their graduation from Snyder High School. Together, they went to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Jim attended Oklahoma State University (1955-1959). While studying agriculture and forestry at OSU, Jim played basketball under head coach Henry Iba, which allowed him the opportunity to travel around the country. Beginning in 1959, Jim was employed for 42 years as a Brakeman Conductor for the railroad, working tirelessly to provide for his family. He enjoyed his retirement beginning in 2002. Throughout his life, Jim followed OSU sports and traveled around the southwest. Del City Church of Christ was his long-time church home.
 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Teresa Nichols, and his son-in-law Mark McClung.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Nichols; daughters Tammie Nichols, Teri Nichols-McClung-Curran and husband Mark, and Laila Thompson and husband Joe; his brother Larry Nichols; his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Heather Simon and husband Michael, Wendy Michael and husband David, Jonah McClung and wife Amanda, Lucas McClung, Kalen Campbell, Bryleigh Gaultney, Shane McClung, Kennadee Campbell, Grayson Michael, Paxton Michael, Kade McClung, Hazel Michael, Kody McClung, Josie Thompson, Jameson Thompson (named for Jim), and Maverick McClung; and numerous extended family.

Services are scheduled at Eisenhour NE: viewing 1-5pm Sunday, June 28; services 6pm Monday, June 29.

Graveside service will be held 1pm Tuesday, June 30, at Mountain Park Cemetery in Mountain Park, Oklahoma.

Jim Nichols was a loving son connected to his parents; a reliable brother who stood up for his family; a caring husband dedicated to his wife; an earnest father consistently providing for his children; an admiring grandfather who always had a story and a lap to share. Community members knew Jim because he stood out in a crowd; they liked Jim because he quickly became an amiable friend.