Harold Jim James Nichols

Jim was born in Columbus, OH on October 1, 1942 and was raised in a true American fashion where religion, honor, and fairness to others was taught at a young age and as an expectation in life. His father was a Staff Sergeant in the Army and his mother played a major role in taking care of the family and providing a loving environment. At age 7, the Army transferred the Nichols’ family to Germany. For the next four years they lived in various towns such as Frankfurt, Marburg, Hanover, and Kassel. During this time the family would often take trips to various countries, giving Jim a first hand experience in different cultures. After graduating from Missouri University Lab School with numerous state awards for debate and forensics, and also staring in various school stage productions, Jim attended the University of Missouri. He joined the US Navy during this time and was stationed in San Diego and Guam. After four years in the military, Jim received his bachelors degree from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO in 1971.

His expertise in debate and the theatre in high school and college led Jim to seek a career in teaching where he was able to apply his skills and become a mentor for many of his students. He began his teaching career which took him from Missouri to Ohio, teaching at numerous schools in Elyria and Westlake, often directing the school's drama programs. Jim was very active in community theatre as well, performing in shows, building sets and overseeing technical design for theaters throughout Ohio including Huntington Playhouse, Rocky River Community Theatre, Lorain Community Music Theatre, Clague Playhouse, Indpendence Community Theatre, and Brecksville Little Theatre. After his retirement from teaching, Jim's vast knowledge of technical theatre continued to prove invaluable, and he was instrumental in opening and etablishing several local Performing Arts Centers, including the Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts in Westalke, OH, the Elyria Performing Arts Center, and the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts in Wellington, OH.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Marianne Nichols; and brother, Rich Nichols. He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Anne Cooper (Alex) of Salt Lake City, UT; sons, David M. Nichols of Athens, OH and Jarred J. Nichols of Elyria, OH; grandchildren, Ryan J. Cooper and Marisa K. Cooper of Salt Lake City, UT; brother, David L. Nichols (Lenore) of Jackson, WY; sister, Penny Kievet (Ken) of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 7 PM at the Elyria Performing Arts Center, 601 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035. All are welcome.