Charles A. Nicholson

Charles Anthony Nicholson, age 49, was born to eternal life, Monday, August 13, 2001 in San Antonio, Texas. He was the beloved husband of Martha S. Jones and the beloved father of Amy Elizabeth Nicholson, both of San Antonio. Charlie entered this world on October 14, 1951, the first child of Charles B. and Theresa Ivory Nicholson. His ancestors immigrated from Germany and Ireland in the 1800's. Born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, "Chuck" spent his childhood years with his parents and five siblings in Ohio and Michigan. Graduating from Port Huron Mich. Catholic High School in 1970, he earned a B.A. in political science in 1973 from Michigan State University and a J.D. in 1977 from the University of Detroit Law School, where he was elected to Alpha Sigma Nu academic honorary. In his college years Charlie was received into the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church from the Roman Catholic Church, marking a significant direction in his future. He met and married Martha S. Jones in 1978 in East Lansing, Michigan. Their daughter Amy was born in 1979 on what he called "the happiest day of my life". Charlie began his legal career as a research and staff attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals and then as an associate of a law firm in Saginaw, Michigan. Moving to San Antonio, Texas in 1985, he practiced as a staff attorney for the state Fourth Court of Appeals and later became an associate of the Law Offices of Pat Maloney. In one legal case, he won a $10 million dollar judgement and that day was outfitted in 10-gallon Stetson and cowboy boots. Charlie was licensed to appear in several state and federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court and belonged to several bar associations. In 1992 Charlie was certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Appellate Law. Five years ago he opened a solo practice, the Law Office of Charles A. Nicholson, in general civil law emphasizing plaintiff representation. Charlie always cared about the needs of his clients and often did pro bono work. Charlie was an active member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in San Antonio and of various other organizations, including AHEPA American Hellenic Educations and Progressive Association and SAGAS San Antonio Greek-American Society. He belonged to the Democratic Party and taught law-related courses for Wayland Baptist University. Charlie enjoyed many interests, among them ancient history, folk music, Irish culture, playing guitar, public radio, camping, running, and cooking. He loved his home state of Michigan and traveled to Greece, England, Ireland, and recently Turkey. Charlie's chief commitment his whole life long was helping other people through his legal efforts, church and civic involvement, and personal charity. Among his good deeds he sheltered homeless immigrants and helped families divided by war reunite in America. Even after death, his generosity is helping two people regain their sight by donation of his corneas to the San Antonio Eye Bank. In heaven Charlie will rejoin his father, Charles B. Nicholson; his godparents, Wilson and Mary Arnett; and many relatives and friends including his firm's cousel, Carlos Cadena. In addition to his wife and daughter, Charlie is survived by his mother, Theresa M. Ivory Nicholson of Port Huron, MI; and his siblings, nieces and nephews: Mary Ann Nicholson and daughters, Jessica and Melissa Nicholson; Barbara Mrs. Cliff Van Overbeke and children, Chad, Beth, and Sean Van Overbeke; Susan Mrs. Edward Repp; Robert Nicholson and children, Jennifer Stidham, Benjamin and Sara Nicholson, and Cathy Mrs. Paul McDonald, all of Michigan. He is also survived by parents-in-law, Darrell S. and Beth Jones of El Paso, Texas; sister-in-law, Audrey Beth Mrs. Dennis DiLucente of San Diego, California; godson, Adam Hussain of Lansing, Michigan; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Charlie will live on in the memories of his many clients, colleagues, fellow parishioners, and friends from all walks of life.