James Dearald "Dick" Nickelson

James Dearald (Dick) Nickelson departed on his journey to be with Our Lord on Monday, October 6, 2014. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He enjoyed 95 years here on earth sharing 72 of those years with his wife and children.

He was born May 14, 1919 in Alhambra, Calif. to the late James Perry and Myra T. Upshaw Nickelson. He lived in Oklahoma during his school years, then moved back to California after graduating from Tryon High School. While living and working in Tyler, Texas he completed extension courses at SMU and TCU. He loved golf, bowling, water skiing and was a pilot. In 1972 he transferred from California-Alabama Pipe to Capco Pipe in Van Buren, and retired from there in 1987. He was a member of Glenwood Methodist Church in Tyler, and transferred his membership to Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Milburn and Carl O. (Todd) Nickelson; a sister, Faye Moffatt, all of California; and twin grandsons, Matthew and Mark Lightfoot of Van Buren.

He is survived by his wife Mary J. Nickelson; two daughters, Maryl R. Koeth and Sherry R. Lightfoot both of Van Buren; a son, James F. Nickelson of Montgomery, TX; seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren with Brother Bill Rose officiating. Cremation is under the direction of Edward Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Peachtree Hospice Foundation.