James W Nichols

James William Nichols May 4, 1960 - May 13, 2018 James William Nichols was born to Marjorie Ann Hattan Nichols and Donald Keith Nichols of Ashland, Oregon on May 4th, 1960. He died unexpectedly of a cardiac arrhythmia in his East Wenatchee, Washington home on May 13th, 2018 at age 58. He was the second son of four boys to be raised on the ranch at Emigrant Lake. The care of the cattle, sheep, and land was a prevailing activity for the family. He was involved in Jackson County 4-H with beef, sheep, and junior leadership projects. Attending schools in Ashland, James was an excellent student and citizen. He participated in band, wrestling, and church youth group activities. In 1978, he graduated from Ashland Senior High School as a member of the National Honor Society. He then attended Oregon State University and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and received the Farmhouse Doane Award. Following graduation, James moved to Idaho for employment. He held various agricultural related jobs across the Pacific Northwest and in New Mexico throughout his working life. James was a devout Christian; reading the Bible daily and following a Christ-like life. He was baptized, raised and confirmed in the Ashland Presbyterian Church. Wherever he lived in his adult years, the church was a focal point of his social activities. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Calvary Crossroads Church in Wenatchee. Traveling the roads, foot paths, and cross-country ski trails was James's favorite past time. He explored most every region of northwestern America, including Alaska and Hawaii. He loved being out in nature; trees, waterfalls, wild flowers, and most especially huckleberries! Brothers Christopher (Cindy) of Canby, Oregon and Thomas (Karen) of Lebanon, Oregon survive James. Also, Aunt Carol (Lynn) of Ogden, Utah, nieces Katie and Anne and nephew Keith and numerous cousins. Brother George and his parents preceded him in death. Services will be held at the Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Road, East Wenatchee, on June 1st at 11 am. Pastor Jay Caron will be officiating. Following the Memorial Service, the family invites you to join the Reception, which will be held up the street at Abby's Pizza, located at 702 Grant Road in East Wenatchee, WA. James will be laid to rest in the family burial plot at Hill-Dunn Cemetery, Ashland, OR, on June 3rd. About 1 pm a Celebration of Life picnic will take place in Shelter D at Emigrant Lake Park. Please join us for a time of sharing stories and a light meal. The family extends appreciation to James's extensive friend network for the many shared meals, backpacking adventures, camping trips, hikes, Bible studies, letters, texts... He knew so many very wonderful people. Thank you all for your friendship. In lieu of flowers, remembrance contributions can be made to Calvary Crossroads Deacon's Fund, 1301 Maple Street, Wenatchee, Washington.