James T. Nichols

A 1967 graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty, Jim continued his education at Gannon University in Erie. After graduating he enlisted in the local unit of the Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Nancy (Kundla) Nichols, daughters Nicolette Nichols, Morgan (James) Gennock, son Joshua Nichols, Grandchildren Aaron and Angelina, and his faithful canine companion Buddy. James is survived by his mother Isabel (Thom) Nichols and a brother Lawrence Nichols of Rochester. Many nephews and cousins also survive him.

He is predeceased by his father Robert H. Nichols Sr., his brother Robert H. Nichols Jr., an infant sister, his paternal grandparents George and Maude Nichols, and his maternal grandparents Charles and Beatrice Thom.

Jim was a member and past Director at the Moniuszko Social Club and current member, past President of the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, member of Dunkirk Memorial Post 62 American Legion, member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club Inc, and Shorewood Country Club. Jim and his family were active members of Ducks Unlimited. In Jim’s spare time he was Chairperson of the Dunkirk’s Harbor Commission for 15 years.

Jim had a great belief in giving back to his community. He supported and sponsored many local youth sporting events, club activities, Dunkirk’s Great Lake Experience, The Boy’s and Girl’s Club and sponsored hole No. 6 at Shorewood Country Club just to name a few.

He was always the type of guy that couldn’t or wouldn’t say “no” to anyone. He loved being able to help everyone have a better day just because. That was who he was. He never wanted a big deal made about anything he had done. He just wanted to make your day.

In his free time he enjoyed the occasional round of golf with his son in law, Jim and close friends. As well as, fishing with his best friend Cory. He shared a mutual love of the Buffalo Bills and Nascar’s “Intimidating” No. 3 with his wife, Nancy and daughter Nicolette. He loved being with friends and he always made more friends wherever he traveled. Jim was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around because he always made you feel like family. He was also an avid collector of Ducks Unlimited artwork. His favorite pastime activity was spending time with family every week at Friday night dinners.

Jim had been employed at Dutch Bertges as a Parts and Service Manager for 25 years. While at Bertges he developed a remarkable relationship with his customers that inspired him to start the “shop of his dreams.” Over the years, his customer base developed into on large extended family. Honesty, loyalty, integrity, and his overall compassionate attitude was what gave his customers the hometown welcoming feeling.

Jim worked hand in hand with his son Joshua to build and create the “shop of his dreams” that he built out of an empty shell of a warehouse. He spent many years with his daughter Morgan grooming and instilling his traits on how to manage the day-to-day operations. So that one day when the time came both Morgan and Josh were able to take over the reins. He had such a vision of what he wanted to create to make sure that everyone who came to the shop was welcomed and felt like they were putting their vehicles in amazing hands. Nichols Hometown Service will always be a fixture in the Dunkirk community.

As per Jim’s wishes there will be no calling hours observed.

Funeral Service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team.

An account has been set up at Lake Shore Savings Bank, Dunkirk Branch so you can make donations directly. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.