Jerry Thomas Nichols Jr. (J.T. or O.G.) passed away peacefully at his home in Eads, Tennessee on January 11, 2023 after a five year battle with cancer. He was 63. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Jennifer, and his father-in-law Bob Jamison.
Jerry was born February 6, 1959, in Memphis, TN to Jerry and Joan Nichols. He knew from an early age he wanted to be called J.T. In fact, in elementary school he made his wishes very clear when his teacher continued to call him Jerry. He stood and exclaimed, “My name is not Jerry, it’s J DOT T DOT!” This was accompanied by two foot-stomps to drive home his point. He never liked having to repeat himself. So J.T. it was from then on.
J.T. graduated from Craigmont High School in 1977 and earned an associate degree from State Technical Institute at Memphis in 1993. He eventually found his way into construction sales. His affability and wit made him a natural at establishing the relationships necessary to be a great salesman.
In 2003 J.T. married his longtime love, Terri Jamison. He was a devoted father and husband who loved nothing more than having the whole family together for a holiday meal, game night or lake trip to Heber. All of which would include a two-hour “power-nap” at some point in the proceedings. He was an avid reader and probably single-handedly kept the librarians of the Memphis Public Libraries in business. He enjoyed relic hunting, scuba diving, grilling various meats, country line dancing, Hootie and the Blowfish and all things Tennessee Vol Football. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Terri; his five children: Jared, Chase (wife Anna, son Nolan, and daughter Darcy), Justin (wife Sam and daughters Vera Mae and Lillie Jane), Sara Lynne (husband Dennis and sons Tripp, Henry and Leo), and Jessica (husband Jordan and son Atlas); as well as his aunt Jean and cousins: Brantley, Alicia, Chip, Christy and Kathy.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
By check: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org OR Methodist Alliance Hospice, 6400 Shelby View Drive, Suite 101, Memphis, TN 38134.
A visitation for J.T. will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120. Following the visitation will be a memorial service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at First Evangelical Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Nichols family.
