John Aubrey Nicholls

Born to Ethel Maude Reed and Fitz Henry Nicholls on March 22, 1920, John lived a full life of service to his family and to his country. His parents and brother, Alwyn, preceded him in death.

A native of New York, John spent his formative years in Jamaica, West Indies. He attended Cornwall College in Montego Bay, Jamaica, as well as Howard University in Washington, D.C.

John married Essie Lee Coombs on May 12, 1945. Together, they raised three children - Nina Ann-Marie, Ronald Anthony and Lisa Anne.

John was a part of "the greatest generation" - the generation that knew great sacrifice having lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War.

John, a World War II veteran, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on March 12, 1946. He continued to serve his country by joining the United States Postal Service.

After retiring from the Postal Service, John went on to be head of security for American Airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport.

John brought the regimented training of the military into his family life. His family knew there was always a time and place for everything.

As an early civil rights activist, John and a co-worker would sit at a lunch counter in New York knowing they wouldn't be served. John could not stand for inequality.

An avid photographer, John had his own dark room to develop film. He and his buddy, Lew Barrett, always had cameras around their necks. As film lost its prominence in photography, John joined the digital realm, where he continued to capture photos of family, friends and nature. Once he moved to Century Village, he joined the Camera Club, where he was an active member.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Essie; his children,Nina A. Nicholls, Ronald A. Nicholls, and Lisa A. Nicholls-Halliday; his "other son," Clay Barrett; daughter-in-law, Barbara C. Nicholls; sons-in-law, Donald J.Halliday and Lewis Thomas; grandchildren, Nicole L. Gill, Dr. David S. Gill and his wife, Nadja R. Allen Gill, andKyle A. Nicholls; great-granddaughters, Alanna S. Gill andZara E. Gill; nieces, Janet Sinclair and Dot Young; two godchildren, Miriam Owen and Richard McGeary; and a host of relatives and friends.