James Nichols, 75, of Weston Lakes, Texas, died on Thursday, August 11, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home as a result of complications from a form of Leukemia, assumed to be due to exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange, during his service in Vietnam in the late 1960s.
He was the son of the late Raymond Nichols and Betty Baker Nichols Baldauf. He is survived by the love of his life, wife, Janet Nichols, of 51 years; his son, Christian (Melissa), and the joy of his life, granddaughter, Maggie, all of Weston Lakes. He is also survived by his brother, Bill (Deborah), of Hardinsburg, Indiana; aunt, Ruth Weller (Bob), of Indianapolis; brother-in-law, George Thachik (Grace), of Indiana, Pennsylvania, nephews, Jeremy, Daniel, and Kyle Nichols; Godson, David Thachik; and niece, Kari Hritz. He considered neighbors John and Stephenie Wagner and their children, Emily and Ryan, as extended family.
He graduated in the first senior class of West Washington High School in Campbellsburg, Indiana, in 1964, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran cross-country.
He served in the US Marine Corps from 1966-1972, serving as an Infantry Platoon Commander in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” devise for Valor, three Purple Hearts, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals with the “V” devise, Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and several other personal and unit awards including the Presidential Unit Citation for service during the siege of Khe Sanh.
He spent most of his working life as a Commercial Office Building Manager for three national real estate companies and the US General Services Administration, which required the family to relocate several times to various major cities.
He was an active member of Post 9182 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Katy, Texas, The Sgt. J.R. Tijerina Marine Corps League 1295, The Semper Fi Society of Brazos Valley, in addition to the American Legion Post 164 and the Disabled American Veterans.
Jim was proud of his loving family and several coworkers, who prior to his retirement, were truly part of his family.
He also wanted to thank the staff at the Michael DeBakey Veterans Medical Center in Houston, where he received a high level of care, which allowed him to live in comfort for many more years than expected.
His family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice of Bellville, Texas for their compassionate care for Jim during his final months.
Finally, he was a Marine forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Toys for Tots in his name.
A visitation for Jim will be Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, Texas 77494. A short service will follow at 11:00AM, in the Rio Grande Chapel of Katy Funeral Home. The committal service will occur at 2:00 PM, Houston National VA Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Nichols family.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17