Obituary of James Robert Nicholls, Sr.

James Robert “Jimmie” Nicholls, Sr., well-known Helenian and member of the greatest generation passed away on Nov. 30. He was 96. A past commander of the local American Legion, Nicholls was a soldier in B Troop, 16th Cavalry Mechanized Reconnaissance Squadron attached to General George Patton’s army that drove into Germany in World War II. Wounded during a German artillery barrage, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Both going to war and returning he was carried by the world’s great ocean liners converted into troop ships, the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. All the way home he kept hearing the song “Sentimental Journey,” which for Jimmie and his late wife Patsy was their favorite for the rest of their lives. In recent years he had gone to Pearland, Texas to live with his son’s family, and died of natural causes in Pearland. Jimmy graduated from Helena high school, later attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and was as loyal a Razorback supporter as they come. After his discharge from the army he served in the state legislature for a time before operating Nicholls Insurance Agency. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served in many capacities including the Vestry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and James W. Nicholls, his wife Patsy, three sisters, Grace Nicholls, Elizabeth Nicholls Hunter, and Marguerite Nicholls Hornor, one brother, Edward Nicholls and one grandson, Rodney Nicholls. He is survived by two daughters, Frances Nicholls Tate (Don) of Panama City, FL, and Nancy Nicholls Edens of Little Rock, AR; one son, James R. Nicholls Jr.(Shelly) of Pearland, TX, 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Edens Butler, Erin Edens Goyne (Adam), Bonnie Tate, Nikki Nicholls Wade (Reid), Shawna Cambron; and eight great grandchildren, Shelby, Hayden, Kailey, Christian, Jake, Taylor, Holly, Tate and one to be born in June to Erin and Adam. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lawson Hughes of Forrest City, AR and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held for Jimmie at Helena Methodist Church at 11:00 am on Friday, December 18, 2015. Following the service, the family invites you to join them in the undercroft of St. John’s Episcopal Church for fellowship and a light lunch. Memorial may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan Street, Helena, AR. 72342.