James Ruble Nicholson

James Ruble “Jimmy” Nicholson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully March 21, 2024, at the age of 87. To know Jimmy was to know kindness and he touched the lives of all who knew him.

Jimmy was born in Nettleton, Mississippi on June 20, 1936, but considered himself a life-long Tupelo resident until he relocated to Durham, North Carolina in 2021 to be closer to his family. He was a graduate of Tupelo High School and was a pillar of the Tupelo community, including serving as a deacon in his church.

He was an expert gardener with a magic touch - he always grew the biggest and most delicious tomatoes and his roses seemed to show off just for him - a true testament to his patient and nurturing spirit.

Jimmy loved to fish and golf and was a voracious reader. The only time you would see him without a glass of sweet tea in his hand was when he was making the best cup of coffee in the world. He knew the weather across the country better than most meteorologists and his grandkids could depend on Papa to tell them whether they would need an umbrella. As much as he loved his grandkids, his “granddogs” were absolutely the favorites.

His zest for his hobbies was only eclipsed by his love for his family and his unwavering faith. His commitment to teaching Sunday School classes left a lasting impact on countless individuals, including his then-teenage future son-in-law, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and an ever-present sense of humor. His love for hymns was profound, knowing every word and note, often filling his home and the halls of his church with their melodies. His voice, always ready to sing praises, was a testament to his deep-rooted faith.

Jimmy’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as an owner of Nicholson Country Meats, a grocer supply company, where he was renowned for his ability to choose the perfect country ham. He was adored by his vendors and customers alike.

Jimmy’s greatest love was his wife of 69 years, Shirley, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and an unbreakable bond of love and partnership. Their journey together was filled with laughter, love and an unwavering commitment to each other - a beacon of true companionship and mutual respect.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, his children Pam, Ed, and Paulette, his son-in-law Lance, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Ally-Catherine, Anna, and James, two great-grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruble Rivers Nicholson and Ruth Allen Nicholson and his sisters Dorothy Gore and Mary Raines. A special thank-you to his wonderful caregivers, Kenesha Irving and Josefina Cardozo, who made his final days on this earth full of love and comfort.

As we say goodbye for now to Jimmy, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love, faith and community that will forever illuminate the hearts of those he touched. A private memorial will be held to honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on this world.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 1:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Services will be livestreamed through www.brownwynneraleigh.com or at https://youtube.com/@brownwynneraleigh?feature=shared

Jimmy’s memory will forever bloom in the gardens he tended, the hymns he sang, and the hearts of all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a flower (or some tomatoes!) to carry on his legacy.

We love you Papa.