James “Jimmy” Edison Nickels was born the son of James Edison Nickels and Etta Lee Ivey Nickels on December 22, 1948, in Thayer, Missouri. He departed this life on August 22, 2018, at his home in Republic, Missouri, at the age of 69 years.
He was united in marriage on January 27, 1968 in Thayer, Missouri, to Ruth Boyer.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Nickels of the home, in Republic, Missouri; one child, Carol Johnson, and husband, Jeff, of Republic, Missouri; one brother, David Lee Ivey, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Riley James Johnson and Claire Marie Johnson, of Republic, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Etta Nickels; one sister, Carolyn June Nickels Todd; one infant brother, Donald Ray Nickels; and one sister-in-law, Nilene Ivey.
James spent his earlier years living the small town country life in Thayer, Missouri. He would drive the back roads and go swimming in the creeks as often as possible.
He was a dedicated and avid Union man. He was a hard worker, devoting much of his life to many different businesses and operations. He worked as a conductor and brakeman for BNSF Railway for 20 years, traveling from Springfield to Thayer. Throughout the years, he also worked at Steak-n-Shake Restaurant, Royal Typewriter, Zenith TV and electronics and owned his own business as well. He was mechanically minded and could make just about anything out of whatever he could find.
James was also a past local chairman of the United Transportation Union, a member of the Solomon Lodge, No. 271 AF & AM, a charter member of the Daylight Lodge, No. 678 AF & AM, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in Joplin, Missouri, a Shriner Captain of the Director Staff, Abou Ben Adhem, in Springfield, Missouri, a member of the Eagles Lodge in Springfield, Missouri, and a member of the Elks Lodge, #2545, in Thayer, Missouri.
James will be remembered for his willingness to help others. He had a big heart and always knew how to cheer people up. But out of all of these great accomplishments, nothing could measure up to his grandchildren. He cherished his sweet granddaughter, Claire, and loved watching her grow up. He was very close with his grandson and “little buddy”, Riley, who he took camping and fishing as often as possible.
He was a devoted husband, loving and caring father and grandfather, neighbor and a friend to all. He will be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1:00 PM until service time.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri.