Colonel John Nichols

ASHEVILLE - "Jack” Nichols age 91 of Asheville, died December 13, 2017. Mr. Nichols was born August 29, 1926 in Kane, PA to the late Ralph P. and Lillie E. Nichols. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Patsy Barnard Nichols who died in 2001. “Jack” graduated from Kane High School in 1944 and was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in civil engineering. He received his master’s degree in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in management from the University of California. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with 28 years of active duty. Lt. Colonel Nichols served in Europe during World War II. His other overseas assignments were in Alaska, Spain, the Philippines and two tours in Vietnam. He served stateside duty at St. Louis, MO, Biloxi, Miss., Sumter, SC, Barton, FL., Falmouth, Mass., Shreveport, LA., Dayton, OH, Riverside, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and Spokane, WA. Lt. Colonel Nichols’ awards included the Bronze Star, Vietnamese Honor Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal, plus numerous service awards. Lt. Colonel Nichols also served 28 years as resident engineer for Buncombe County Schools and was responsible for removing asbestos from the schools during the period of 1979 until 1998. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as Staff Scout Committee Chairman at Caddo Parrish, LA and in the Philippines. He was active in church activities and was a member of Central United Methodist Church. He was a Stephens Minister. He delivered for Meal on Wheels at the Avery’s Creek District, was a hospice volunteer to military Veteran patients and did pet therapy with his dog, Nikki, a Shiba Inu at Solace Hospice Center. Jack and his wife, Pat, showed purebred dogs as a hobby, at AKC shows, finishing 46 champions. His favorite time was hiking in the National Forest with his hybrid wolf, Tom. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 in the Chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Military rites will be conducted by the US Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made to: CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338 Asheville, NC 28813. A word of thanks is extended to all the care givers and professionals at the Solace Center and Pisgah Manor for their care. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Lt. Colonel Nichols’ obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.