James Charles Nicholas Obituary in Fremont at Fremont Memorial Chapel

James Charles Nicholas

7/1/1943 - 4/13/2012

Obituary For James Charles Nicholas

Jim was born in Negaunee, Michigan, the first son of Charles and Evelyn Nicholas. Raised in Marquette, Michigan, Jim enjoyed sports, scouting, martial arts, science, racing cars and boats, and photography. In the eighth grade Jim constructed his own telescope, winning a first place ribbon in the Science Fair, and later won a Second Place award for building a centrifuge. Jim built his own race boat and enjoyed tinkering with cars, later opening his own Mobil Service Station. Jim was an athlete, playing basketball, football, and running track. One race that made the local papers was the second place finish where he lost his shoe after the first turn and completed the race barefoot on a cinder track. Graduating from Graveraet High School in 1961, Jim was an Honor Roll Student and member of the Junior Achievement Group.

Around 1964 Jim sold his Mobil Service station and moved out West where he started working for Schlage Lock Company. Jim served his country as a member of the Air National Guard during this time, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was in 1968 when he started his career with Xerox Corp. where he worked as a Computer Service Technician for almost 35 years in the Silicon Valley. ?Moby Nick? to his friends, he was well respected in his field of expertise, often traveling all over the West coast to assist with problems and even answering late night calls from across the nation to provide direction over the phone to make repairs. A ?Yooper? at heart, Jim returned to Michigan?s Upper Peninsula many times over the years and maintained close ties with his childhood friends.

It was in California that he met his wife, Dorothy Mossman. Married in 1968, they had three children and settled in the city of Newark, where Jim resided for the remainder of his life. Jim enjoyed many family trips with Dolly and his sons, Jim, Chris, and Matt. Teaching his boys to fish, spending many hours in the car and on the sidelines of the soccer fields. Although they later separated, Jim and Dolly maintained a friendship throughout.

Jim enjoyed fishing, BBQ?ing next to the pool, golfing, photography, and the company of friends. Jim is survived by his younger brother Jack Nicholas and his wife Joyce; Jim?s three sons and their wives, James and Courtney, Christopher and Kathleen, Matthew and Christine(fiancÃ©e); and his 7 grandchildren: Alexandra, Brianna, Zachary, Sophia, Jason, Thomas, and Cole.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 5pm at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. All are invited to attend, share memories, and celebrate Jim?s life.

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10/01/2021

Paulette Lindberg - class of 1961

Classmates & Friends of Jim Will miss his smiles -stories - recipes from his great sounding family gatherings - flower growing tips and Most of all his sense of humor and his caring giving of his Friendship to us all! Our Sympathy to his Boys who adored!!
10/01/2021

A sympathy card has been sent to the family of James Charles Nicholas c/o Fremont Chapel of the Roses funeral home.
10/01/2021

Barbara Harris

I will always miss his wonderfully descriptive writings
10/01/2021

Larry Rich

Rest in Peace Jim
10/01/2021

Gary L. Greene

Jack, I'm sorry I never met any of Jim's family. But, I remember you from your home on Front St. I lived at 1217 N Front. Came to your home alot. I'm in that class pic. Talked with Jim alot over the yrs. GREAT GUY. I will really miss him. May God take care of you and family in your time of need. Sincerely, Gary
10/01/2021

David Smith

Dolly, boys, and family: I am sorry that I cannot attend the service today for Jim. I have many fond memories of him with respect to our common love of watching the boys play sports. Like Jim, I am a Yooper, although I am from Calumet. (It was interesting that we both wound up in Newark.) You have my deepest sympathy, and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
10/01/2021

Angie Swantkowski

My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. I have so many happy memories in my heart shared with him and his family and our many anniversary trips to Carmel with Jim and Dolly.
10/01/2021

Steve Swantkowski

I will always remenber our golf trips to Carmel, the parties and his friendship. Rest in peace , Jim
10/01/2021

Bill McLean

I first became friends with Jim when I used to stay at my grandmothers house on front street. Wow this was back in the 50's. We used to ride our bikes up and down front street hill. Jim will be sadly missed by all. My deepest sympathy to his family. RIP Jim
10/01/2021

Sharon Strong Dewey

Jim was my friend since I first met him at age 7. I enjoyed spending time talking to him at class reunions. I especially have fond memories of an afternoon we spent talking about old times at the Chili's restaurant in Danville , Ca. We kept in touch with our Donckers group emails. I shall miss him.
10/01/2021

Mary Kay Wood

Jim was a classmate, and friend. He loved to visit friends in Marquette, and attend class reunions. We all loved Jim, and are so sorry for his passing. He was a kind, sensitive guy.
10/01/2021

Jerry shimon

Jim was born on the first ibwas born on the fifth. There were some ties of time and taste and caring between us. I can offer sorrow for his loss to his family and thanks to jim for his life. In the end its the only gift we can offer. May we all find the joy of completion, shared memories and love that travels on in time. Jerry
10/01/2021

Linda (Lehwald) Gaball

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, grandfather and friend. I was in his graduating class of 1961 in Marquette, Michigan. I remember Jim as a lively friend who helped on the class projects like building "parade floats" and our various projects. He was one of the "gang". A gang of fun-loving but very nice young high school kids. I will always remember him from my old photos....Grinning and goofing off with the rest of us. God Bless you all. Linda
10/01/2021

Kay Payant

Over the years I have enjoyed renewing friendship with Jim at our high school class reunions. He was a warm and funny person, who shared himself with us in person and in many emails describing his life. We will miss him.
10/01/2021

Marie Aho

My sincere condolences to Jim's family and friends. I will be fondly remembering Jim's enduring frienship, his love for his hometown and those of us who shared it with him, his kindness, his good humor, and love of a fine story. marie

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