John Martin Nichols

NICHOLS, John M. 85, passed away suddenly at home Tuesday, March 29, 2011. John was born in New Bloomfield, Missouri. He is survived by his loving wife, Mandy and children; Kay Griffin, Kevin Nichols and his wife Carole, Glenna Hickman and her husband Jack, Dena Zwingle and her husband Chris, and Jack Speer as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The great grandchildren called him “Great John” which he was. John grew up in Jefferson City, MO and graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1944. He enlisted and served as a gunner in the United States Air Corp in World War II, flying B-17s and B-29s in the 9th Air Force. After his discharge, he attended Bailey Technical School in St. Louis and then graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Illinois in Sales and Sales Marketing. He then joined Graham Paper in St. Louis until 1968 when he was promoted to Division Manager of Jim Walter Paper in Albuquerque, He retired after 35 years in 1987. John was the son of Howard and Ruth Nichols, both deceased and the brother of Sarah Margaret Gunnison, deceased and Frances Leach, deceased. John’s friends meant so much to him throughout his life. He knew no strangers. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 1, 2011 at 1:00pm at Daniels Family Funeral Service, 3113 Carlisle Blvd., NE Albuquerque, NM. Inurnment will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, April 4, 2011 at 12:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road, NE 87111. John’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Service 3113 Carlisle Boulevard, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188