Jim was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 24, 1942, to James and Ruth Nicholson. He grew up in St. Cloud, Minesota. Upon graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1961 until 1963. Following his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Soon after, Jim met his future wife, Linda Lee Lehrke, and they married on October 12, 1968.
Jim enjoyed a distinguished thirty-eight year career with IBM in computer design and development. His dedication and contributions as an executive were recognized by his peers as integral in helping to establish IBM as a leader in the computer industry. Jim retired from IBM in 2005 and began a new adventure as a Technical Fellow at AMD. In 2008, Jim left AMD to devote more time to his favorite role as Grandpa Extraordinaire.
An active member of his community and church, Jim’s volunteer roles included service as Little League baseball commissioner, church elder, superintendent of Sunday Schools, and Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader and children's leader.
Jim was most proud of his family and personal life. Despite his busy schedule, Jim was always there for his wife and children. He coached many of his children’s sports teams and was a loving father and husband. In retirement, he spent a significant amount of time with his grandchildren and other family members. Jim loved traveling with his wife and taking annual ski trips with his friends.
Jim is survived by Linda, his wife of 44 years; son, Jim Nicholson and his wife, Nicole, of Boerne, TX; daughter, Marianne Rader and her husband, Joe, of Georgetown, TX; granddaughter, Elle Nicholson; grandsons, Ben Nicholson, Joey Rader, and Cole Rader; sisters, Nancy Brausen, Joan Ellens, Audrey Ziebol, Pat Chilgren, and Shirley Fohner; brother, Bob Nicholson; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
A funeral service and reception will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Anderson Lane in Austin at 1:00 PM. Jim's final resting place will be the Waukenabo Cemetery in Minnesota.
Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757. Redeemer has been an important part of Jim’s life and faith for more than thirty years. We are thankful for Jim’s life and for the impact he has had on others.
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