James Patrick Nichols, 95, of Davis, WV and a resident of Cortland Acres Nursing Home in Thomas passed away August 31, 2018. J. Pat was born on June 27, 1923 in Thomas, WV, a son of the late Charles A. Nichols Sr. and Nora Merrill Nichols.
J. Pat is survived by five sons, Pat A. (Linda) Nichols, of Davis, WV, Kevin P. Nichols, of Oakland, MD, Cullen C. Nichols of Thomas, WV, Robert S. (Sherri) Nichols, of Davis, WV, Shawn O. (Kathy) Nichols, of Parsons, WV, and one daughter, Mary (Dan) Leavitt, of Aledo, TX. He is survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
J. Pat was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Martha Gasser Nichols, two brothers, Charles A. Nichols Jr. and Robert Nichols, three sisters, Teresa (Sis) Good, Hanora (Onnie) Sprague, and Elizabeth (Mux) Valardi Cotter.
J. Pat was a 1940 graduate of Thomas High School. After graduation he entered the C.C.C. camp at Parsons and worked as a clerk. He was admitted to Potomac State College earning a basketball scholarship. He joined the Air Force serving as a bombardier on a B-17 during World War II. After the war, he finished his education and obtained a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University and a Law Degree from Georgetown University.
J. Pat began the practice of law with D.E. Cuppett of Thomas and was elected Tucker County Prosecutor in 1952 serving that office until 1980. He was an original member of the Board of Directors of Cortland Acres Nursing Home and helped to obtain funding for the original building. He served as attorney for the people of Tucker County. J. Pat had a long, interesting legal career serving the citizens of Tucker County from 1950 until his retirement in 2008, He served on numerous committees and was an early selection for Tuckineer. He had an uncanny memory for recalling names and remembering generations of families. He especially enjoyed wearing of the green and celebrating his Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day!
Friends were received at Hinkle Funeral Home, Monday, September 3, from 4-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held, 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father Timothy Grassi as celebrant. Interment followed in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the honor of J. Pat Nichols to the Cortland Foundation, 39 Cortland Acres Lane, Thomas, WV 26292 Hinkle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hinklefuneralhome.com