James E. Nicholson

James Eric Nicholson, 77, was born on August 30, 1946, to the late William H. and Marvella L. (Niephaus) Nicholson in Manitowoc, WI. Jim passed away peacefully at home in Green Bay on May 23, 2024, after a battle with cancer. The memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22 at Newcomer Cremation, Funeral, Reception, 340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay with visitation from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and service at 2:00.

Jim graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1964 then served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a cryptographer earning the rank of sergeant. He was stationed in Japan, spoke excellent Japanese, and conquered his fear of heights by climbing Mount Fuji.

Jim and Karen (Gries) met working at the same restaurant and were married on August 4, 1973, in Brillion, WI. Jim graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Economics from UWGB in 1974. After college Jim had a successful career working for AVCO Financial Services for nearly 30 years living in WI, IL, and IN, while holding several positions in the company. He then was employed as a mortgage broker for GSF Mortgage until retirement.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen; sons, Daniel (Chelsea) Nicholson, Andrew (Ge) Nicholson, and Michael Nicholson (Ann Kosterman) all of Green Bay; grandchildren, Haley Nicholson (Seth Weatherspoon), William, and Madelyn Nicholson; great-grandson Izaiah Weatherspoon, and future granddaughter to arrive in September. He is also survived by his brother Fredrick (Mary) Nicholson, sister-in-law Debra (Richard) Buda, sister-in-law Kristine (Steven) Lenzner, brother-in-law Thomas (Lisa) Gries, brother-in-law Joseph Zabran, special cousins Christine (Phil) Wedell and Pamela (William) Lorenz, many Nicholson relatives in New Jersey, Nicholson nieces Dayna, Robin, Sara, Jessica and nephew Bill, Gries nieces and nephews Stephanie Lenzner (Michael Nauman), Michael (Erin) Lenzner, Katie Lenzner (Jason), Benjamin (Kimberly) Gries, Allison (Derik) Leary, Josie (Josh) Kandish, and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aunt and Uncle Ethel and Robert Grall, sister Susan, brother William, brother-in-law James Gries, sister-in-law Susan Zabran, and infant son Peter.

Jim spent many hours with his kids and grandkids, going to the park, and watching them play sports, teaching cribbage, boat rides, and cooking for them. Jim loved being at the cottage on Lake Poygan, golfing, bonfires, going to concerts, dogs Rusty and Teddy, and his Packers. Dear to his heart are his friends of 54 years: Jim and Jill Chadek, Mike and Mary Daley, Phil and Nan Groll, and Dick and Faye Malek.

He was a founding member of the UWGB Veterans Club, a member of the Noon Optimists, a volunteer for the Tustin Fire Department, a volunteer for Thanksgiving dinners, etc. Special thank you from Karen for all the love, prayers, and support from family and friends who were so understanding of Jim’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Special thank you to everyone at Unity Hospice of DePere. Their expertise, excellent care, and compassion allowed us to keep Jim at home. A very special thank you to Jolene for her patience with Karen and genuine care of Jim.

The service will be livestreamed at the time designated above. To view the live stream click here.