Jack Louis Nichols

Jack L. Nichols, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at the age of 81. He was married for 57 years to the love of his life, Kathryn "Katie" (Pullin) Nichols, and she passed away in 2012.

Those left to cherish Jack's memory are his children Nancy (Jeff), Dale (Frank), Mark (Gretchen) and Deborah (John); and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Kayla, Taylor, Matthew, Scotty, Kirby, Christopher, Jacob, Megan, Hannah and in 2013 was blessed with his 10th grandchild and namesake, Jack. Also included are "adopted" granddaughters, Olivia and Sondra. Jack is also survived by his brothers Eugene (Creta), and James (Carol), whom he shared a great sense of humor with, many childhood adventures, and spoke about with admiration and love. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Jan Pullin.

Jack was born on April 9, 1932 in Mishawaka to the late Mary and Lavone Nichols. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950. Jack married his high school sweetheart Katie, in 1955, and after serving his country in the US Navy from 1952 - 1956 he graduated from Purdue University. Jack and Katie then relocated to Seattle, WA to start his career as an aeronautical engineer for Boeing. Jack and Katie continued their adventures when they moved to Canada in 1969 with their family where he started his career in hospital administration. After a successful 9 years in Canada, Jack continued his career in Kansas City and retired from Hospital Administration in 2000. Jack then built their dream log home in Ellicottville, New York. He was a talented wood worker and prior to retirement spent many summers sailing his treasured sailboat and enjoying Lake Erie with Katie. Jack dedicated his life to his family and was admired for his strength of character and showed great devotion and compassion caring for his wife Katie during her illness. Jack will be truly missed!

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 8, 2014, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. John Hart leading the service.

A time of visitation in the funeral home for family and friends will follow the memorial service.

Following Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place at a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

An online guest book with the ability to share memories and condolences with Jack’s family is available at www.goethalswells.com.