James A. Nichols, Jr., of Bowmansville, New York, passed away unexpectedly at Buffalo General Hospital on March 31, 2022, the beloved husband of Marie Nichols; father of Steven (Jill) Nichols, Daniel Nichols and Lisa Nichols.

Born in Potsdam, New York, he was the son of the late James A. Nichols, Sr. and Margaret (Buckley) Nichols, who predeceased him.

James attended St. Andrews School, Norwood, NY, St. James School, Gouverneur, NY, Gouverneur High School, Bishop Duffy High School, Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, High School, graduating in 1974. Jim immediately enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Navy Nuclear Submarine program and was honorably discharged as Machinist Mate 2 on August 28, 1979, into the Naval Reserves. Serving on the USS Trepang, among other subs, Jim enjoyed the travel associated with his service to our country and often spoke about his travels to Holy Loch, Scotland, Naples, Italy, Port Said, Egypt, The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other ports of call. While on the USS Trepang he and his fellow submariners rode to the North Pole and down to the Caribbean Sea.

Jim was a proud and active veteran. He has served as Commander of Post of the American Legion and served as County Commander and advocated for veteran issues at the New York State Legislature in Albany, New York.

After his military service, Jim was employed at DuPont Chemical for most of his working career and later at Olin Corporation as a Millwright until his retirement.

Also surviving are his siblings, Kevin (Pamela) Nichols, Joseph (Kathleen) Nichols, Mary Ellen Nichols and Daniel (Bupe) Nichols; and many nieces and nephews; and step-father of Ruth Rider-Work (Nathan Work), Joshua (Monica) Centner and Hannah Centner; grandfather of Nora, Wilson, Jarod, Audrey, Christina, Danika, Joshua and Alexandra; step-grandfather of Christian Rider-Work, Mackenzie Rider-Work, Joshua G. Centner, Owen John Centner and Sophia Chernogorec; great-grandfather of Damian, Ezra, Ellis and Baby Boy Love.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on May 28, 2022, at 5:00 PM at the Clarence Fire District #1, 10355 Main Street, Clarence, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider remembrances to WNY Heroes, 8205 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221.

Please contact the funeral home prior to Sunday, May 22nd, for reservation to the Celebration of Life at director@amherstmemorial chapel.com. Arrangements are under the direction of AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL, LLC.