John Ruthrauff Nicholson Jr.

John was born and grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where he graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School. He also graduated from Bowdoin College, cum laude in 1991, and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 2000.

John was working for Merrill-Lynch as financial advisor in Raleigh, where he was enjoying using his gifts and being with people.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly Lineweaver Nicholson, two sons, John Ruthrauff Nicholson, III and William Dibblee Nicholson all of Raleigh; his parents, John and Suzanne Nicholson of Grosse Pointe, MI; his twin sister Anne Nicholson Fitzpatrick, her husband Paul and their children, Connor, Clare, Grace, and Jack of Arlington, VA; his sister Katherine Birks Nicholson, of Grosse Pointe, MI; his mother and father-in-law, Kitty and Ed Lyon of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, George and Nancy Nicholson of Grosse Pointe, MI; Ed and Barbara Nicholson of N. Kingston, RI; Beth and David Hamm of Grand Rapids, MI; Judy and Dick Phillips of Georgetown, TX; sisters and brothers in law, Kathryn and Kevin Gesse of Greensboro, NC, their children Eliza and Sara Kathryn; Allison and Jon Bell of Greensboro, NC, their children Fulton, Garland, and Ford; and many cousins as well.

John was an avid athlete, who loved hockey, tennis, biking, and simply being outdoors. He loved playing basketball, football and hockey with his boys and was wood carver extraordinaire. He loved all things regarding history and politics, and had such a tender and compassionate heart. He loved his men’s groups, his work in investments, his family, and most of all, his God. John represented Jesus to his wife, children, and all who knew him. The void he leaves is indescribable, but we will carry on in his precious memory.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the Church of the Apostles, 333 Church at North Hills Street (formerly 333 St. Albans Drive), Raleigh, NC 27609. Private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nicholson Educational Fund, c/o John Bell, 300 North Greene Street, Suite 1000, Greensboro, NC 27401.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, and condolences may be made through www.brownwynneraleigh.com.