Andrew "Aj" Jackson Nychyk Jr.

The “small town” of Fort Myers lost one of its long-standing pillars on February 9, 2022. Andrew J. Nychyk, Jr. or A.J. as he was best known, passed away at the age of 72 after a lifelong bout with asthma, which was aggravated by the virus that has plagued so many.

A.J. was born on March 22, 1949 to Mazie and Andrew Nychyk Sr. in Belle Glade, moved to Fort Myers in 1950 and witnessed amazing changes as Lee County grew from small farming and cattle towns into the prosperous cities. From hunting dove fields and quail prairies that would later become the Edison Mall and Pine Manor, to spearfishing snapper beneath the mangroves and showing off for high school friends as he barefoot water skied the Caloosahatchee River, A.J. loved the richness of the lifestyle here in the 60’s and 70’s.

A.J. was blessed with an early knowledge of his destiny to be a farmer like his Dad. So, after graduating from the University of Florida in 1971, he joined his Dad in farming and began developing a deeper understanding and beauty of God’s creation. A.J. and his brother Tim grew crops of acorn squash and jalapeno peppers and his love for cultivating extended beyond their primary crops as the brothers found that a large well-tended garden of sweet corn, black-eyed peas, collard greens, broccoli and beans were enjoyed by family and friends.

He helped start Young Farmer’s and Rancher’s in Lee County and when he aged out he became a senior chaperone for the group. From 1983-2005, he was a board member for Lee County Farm Bureau and also served as President for several years. Additionally he organized and cooked for the Farm Bureau’s Annual Barbecue Fund Raisers.

A.J. grew up attending First Baptist Church downtown, and later he and Crystal transitioned to McGregor Baptist Church. He served as an usher in both churches. He loved being a part of McGregor’s Beacon Class and was appointed to be the class volunteer for visual props. He also helped organize class fellowships and loved cooking ribs for the class.

A.J. enjoyed a loving relationship with Crystal, his wife of 27 years. Together, they found joy in loving those around them and enjoyed opening their home for family and friends. A.J.’s sons, Randy and Gary, along with his step children Mike, Lindy, Sherry and Kim all benefited from his steadfast principles of honesty, integrity, and dignity. He taught them and their friends about grit, gun safety, boating, fellowship, and the courage it takes to meet life eye to eye. He loved his daughter in laws, Randy’s wife, Nikki, Gary’s wife, Heather, and he shared many lessons with his grandchildren Marissa, Randall, Nathan, Jackson and Justin. He loved skeet shooting with his brother, Tim and spending family time with his sister in law, Nona, and his nephew, Tim and nieces Brandis, Rebecca and their families.

A.J. is now walking the fields beside his Heavenly Father and will continue to inspire those he touched during his time here.

A visitation for Andrew will be held Monday, February 14, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Following the service everyone is invited to a barbecue lunch reception at the church.

Andrew will be laid to rest in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Contributions in Andrew's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

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