John Douglas Nicholson, Sr.

John Douglas Nicholson, Sr. John Douglas Nicholson, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on the 28th of August 2013 at home in Elkins Lake, Huntsville, Texas. Nick, as he was known to family and friends was born in Kansas City, MO., July 24th, 1921, son of Clarence Lee Nicholson and Mabel Wittman Stewart. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. Nick was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Nick served his country during WWII as a 1st Lt. in the Air Force. Stationed in Tacicowa Air Base outside of Tokyo where he trained French Pilots in the F-45, a hot fighter plane. Later, Nick was transferred to Yale University for special training on the B-29 Bomber’s electrical systems. An electrical systems “nightmare” now all computerized. After graduating in 1944 as a 2nd Lt. he was transferred to Roswell, NM where he continued training command for B-29's. Nick moved to Houston in 1948 and started J.D. Nicholson & Company, an oil field related business, distributing pumps, motors and generators. His first quotation for several generator sets was to J. Ray McDermott, working out of his home. The company grew and by the mid 1960's-he had obtained several good accounts as a distributor. Nick's greatest love was his family and friends. He was married to Velma Mae Clark with whom he had two sons, John Douglas Nicholson, Jr. and Bradley Alan Nicholson. He later married the love of his life Ethel Marion Brown with whom he spent 34 wonderful years. He retired to Elkins Lake with Ethel and formed the A & I Group (Aged & Infirmed Golf Group). They played golf and bridge and entertained friends regularly. Life was good. Ethel and Nick also gave generously to their community. They established several Scholarship Endowments at Sam Houston State University. Nick is predeceased by his parents Clarence & Mabel Nicholson, his wife of 33 years Velma Mae Clark, brother Wittman Nicholson and wife of 34 years Ethel Marion Brown. Nick is survived by his son John Douglas Nicholson, Jr. and his wife, Glenda of Houston, son Bradley Alan Nicholson and his wife Karen of San Francisco, CA., grandchildren Angela Igo and husband Roger, Natalie Clark & husband Andrew, John Nicholson III and wife Maggie, all of Houston. Shannon Grotjahn and husband Eric of Los Angeles, CA., Keri Stickney and husband Joel, of Seattle, WA., Darcy Kunkel and husband Neil, of Santa Cruz, CA. Seven great grandchildren very loved by Nick, Christina & Preston Igo, Caroline, Catherine & Jackson Clark, Lillian & Douglas Nicholson IV. And very special friends, Judy & James Bozeman of Houston, JoAnn and Conrad Zwernemann, Terry & Terry Kuntz, Marlene & Grant Holland of Huntsville, and the many friends at Elkins Lake. Nick also leaves behind his close companion “Tootsie” whom we loved very much. Nick lived a long and full life. At his 92nd birthday he was dancing the night away, enjoying his favorite Bombay gin martini with 3 olives! What a way to go! A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 4th at 2pm – at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Mr. JD Nicholson may be made to: Rita B. Huff Humane Society, 530 Bearkat Blvd., Huntsville, Texas 77340 or First Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Ave., Huntsville, Texas 77320. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for family may do so at www.shmfh.com

John Douglas Nicholson, Sr.

September 4, 2013