Obituary of James Lincoln Nichols

James Lincoln Nichols 1925 - 2012 Jim passed away peacefully at home in Bridgewater May 10, 2012. Jim was born in Deep Brook and was predeceased by his father and mother Carl and Pearle Nichols, his sister Ellen from Yarmouth, sister Joyce, and brother David. During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines, and the Canadian Air Force and Army, where he was an instructor of instructors. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. A graduate of a one room schoolhouse and Acadia University (1949), Jim always liked to build something new. He started Nichols Contracting Ltd. in Bedford in 1955 and later started two building companies, Atlantic Steel and Provincial Steel. The last business created was ReNu Restoration, serving first in the Digby area and then Bridgewater; he finally retired at 77. Along the way Jim contributed to his community and honed a number of special talents. Some of the organizations he volunteered for included: the Kinsmen Club (President), the Digby Hospital Board of Directors (Chair) where he led efforts to assist HIV-AIDS patients, modernize patient data, and a new hospital extention; the US National Institute of Fire Restoration (International Executive Member) where he earned the first certification in Canada and specialized in the restoration of art and received several awards; the Friends of the Des Brisay Museum Board (Chair) and Museum Commission (Chair); the Federation of Nova Scotian Heritage (President) where he had a particular interest in Mi'kmaq arts and crafts. Jim had a passion for dogs, skeet and trap shooting, Oriental carpets, and passion in his last 3 decades was wood carving, especially creative bird designs, some of which won Atlantic awards. Jim’s greatest love for 63 years was his wife Doris (nee Parr). He leaves his daughter Susan Nichols (Fredericton), his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Dianne Nichols in Bridgewater, his sister and brother in-law Ruth and Ben Gates-Jentzen inSt. Thomas, Ontario and 9 nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home in Bridgewater on Tuesday 15 May at 3:00 PM followed by a reception. No visitations; family flowers only; donations to charities of your choice; private interment in Bear River; condolences can be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.