James Donald Nicholson Jr.

Upon graduating Highline High School in Burien, Washington at the age of 17, Jim enlisted into the United States Marine Corps.

While stationed in Camp Pendleton, Jim met the love of his life, Donna Terfehr, and they married on April 11, 1959. They had four children, James III, Janell, Denise, and Jon.

Jim served in the United States Marine Corps with honor, duty and courage. He served 2 tours in the Vietnam War as a radio intelligence operator, where he earned several commendations, including a Bronze Star with Valor.

Jim retired from the Marine Corps in September 1977 while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, in Kaneohe, Hawaii as a Master Sergeant (E8).

After the military, Jim worked for the Washington Department of Licensing as a license examiner. He was working in Longview, Washington, when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.

Jim later attended Evergreen State College, where he received his bachelor's degree.

Jim was a devout Christian and loved spreading the word of our Lord. In 2007, he obtained his ordination as a minister of the Church of God in Shelton, Washington. Jim performed several wedding ceremonies including many of his family members.

Jim thoroughly loved fishing and taught all of his grandkids how to catch the big one. He was also a huge dog lover and was known as Papa Dog.

Jim is survived by his wife, Donna of 67 years, son James D. Nicholson III (Cath), daughter Janell Nicholson, daughter Denise Margheim (Gary), son Jon Nicholson (Shannon), 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.