James O. Nichols

Nov. 24, 1929 - Jan.8, 2026

James Otis Nichols (Nick) of Auburn, Alabama passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living, Owens Cross Roads, Alabama on January 8th, 2026.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Sarah Mae Martin Nichols, his daughter-in-law Lynn McCreery Nichols, his father James Andrew Jackson Nichols, his mother Emily Viola Harbin Nichols and two infant sisters.

Dr. Nichols was born at home in Huntsville, AL and attended public schools. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation from West Huntsville High School in 1948, marrying his high school sweetheart Sarah in December after basic training. He became an aircraft mechanic for the service where his exceptional skill led to his appointment as instructor. Here is where he discovered his love for teaching. After being honorably discharged from the military Nick and Sarah moved to Tuscaloosa where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master's Degree. In 1960 he moved his wife and two small children to Auburn, Alabama to begin his teaching career. Nick and Sarah joined Auburn First Baptist Church where they were active members of Sunday School and he served as a deacon and member of several committees. One of their favorite activities was to prepare and deliver meals with the Loaves and Fishes group.

In 1963 the Nichols family moved to Pasadena, CA where Dr. Nichols enrolled at California Institute of Technology. While attending classes, he also engaged in research at the Jet Propulsion Lab owned by NASA and managed by Caltech. In 1965, Dr. Nichols moved his family back to Auburn but for several summers the family of now five returned to Pasadena for Dr. Nichols to continue his research projects at JPL. In 1969 he earned his Doctorate from the University of Alabama.

James Nichols was very active in his community. He served as President of Lion's Club, President of Auburn High School Band Parents Association, received the Silver Beaver Award for his support of the Boy Scouts of America and always bought more cookies from the Girl Scouts than he could eat. He and Sarah enjoyed square dancing, RV camping, traveling with friends, volunteering at Ridgecrest Camp in North Carolina, playing Mexican Dominos and card games with friends and taking their grandchildren on trips to the beach and Walt Disney World. Nana (Sarah) and Papa (Nick) also hosted all 7 grandchildren for Cousin Camp in the summer, making wonderful memories for everyone. Nick's personal hobbies included fishing and flying the remote control airplanes he built.

Dr. Nichols is survived by his three children: Greg Nichols of Loxley, Alabama, Pam (Robert) Mayes of Huntsville, Alabama and Penni (Steve) Steverson of Tallahassee, Florida; seven grandchildren: Jenni (Randall) Smith, James (Victoria) Nichols, Rob (Emily) Mayes, Jr., Kelly (Thomas) O'Connor, Drew (Bekah) Steverson, Brandon (Lauren) Steverson and Chandler Steverson; thirteen great-grandchildren: Connor and Layla Smith, Liam and Grace O'Connor, Robert III and Mari Mayes, Alton, Otis, Haden and Pepper Steverson, Everett, Callaway and Hollis Steverson; one brother: John Nichols, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Nick's family will always carry the blessing of his deep devotion to them, the comforting steadiness of his faith, and the warmth of his generous spirit. He was greatly loved.

A graveside service will be held January 17 at 2:00PM where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Sarah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Auburn First Baptist Church.