SSG (ret) James Nichols

Funeral service for SSG (ret) James Nichols, 100 of Lawton will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home Chapel. 

Burial will be at Post Cemetery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Mr. Nichols passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 in Lawton. 

James was born on August 9, 1918 in Benton, Tennessee to Oliver and Maggie (Prater) Nichols. He grew up in Cleveland, Bradley County. He joined the United States Army in October 1942 and served his country in many locations including Belgium where he married his wife, Mary Jane Hendrickx in 1945. They lived for a while in Belgium and then New Jersey, Michigan before coming to Lawton/Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1959 where they stayed after his retirement in October of 1965. While serving with the military he received many awards and medals including the Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, E.T.O. Ribbon and Medal with four Campaign Stars, American Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Medal Bronze Clasp with four Loops,  and the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. James later worked as a Barber at Fort Sill and then worked as a driver for Phillips Aubrey Cheveloret. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, singing, dancing, reading and loved playing with his grandkids.  James was a member of the DAV and American Legion and after reaching 100 years old, he became a member of the Centenarians of Oklahoma.  

He is survived by his son, Edward Nichols, of Lawton; his daughters and son in law, Elizabeth and Stephen Richardson, of Lawton, and Helen Edwards, of Lawton; his grandchildren, and their spouses, Robert Souza, Christa Bishop, Shannon and Justin Durette, and Matthew and Jessica Richardson; his great grandchildren, Madison Bishop, Connor Bishop, Blake Bishop, and Aubrey Richardson. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Jane Nichols who passed away in 1987; his siblings, Ruby Jones, Frank Nichols, Ralph Nichols, and Frances Jones, and his step mother, Dovie Nichols; and his son in law, Neil Edwards.    

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 2123 N. Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106.   

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