James Norman Nicholas

James Norman Nicholas, aged 82, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2024 following a one-year battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Ithaca, NY in 1942 to Abraham and Elma (Petaja) Nicholas, and lived in the area most of his life. He attended high school in Ithaca before enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1960 at age 17. During his time in the Marines, Jim was stationed at Parris Island, SC; Camp Lejeune, NC; and served overseas in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal E-4 in 1964. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Over the course of his life, Jim would travel to many US states as well as to Canada, Europe and Africa. He spent over 40 years in Groton, NY and lived near family in New Jersey at the time of his passing, but Ithaca was always home.

Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Jim worked as an industrial machinist and team leader for 43 years for Morse Chain, Borg Warner, and Emerson Power. He was a boxer and longtime weightlifter, with a personal record of 496 lbs on the bench press, and also practiced tae kwon do. He loved music (especially the Rolling Stones), the Yankees, the Giants, playing cards, and cracking jokes.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bertha (Grubb) Nicholas; a brother, Robert; sister-in-law, Nan; niece Michelle and nephew Matthew and their families. He had six children: Patricia (Peter) Sidari, James (Debra) Nicholas, Terry (David) Maratas, Christine (Rick) Richardson, Deborah (Tyler) Stahl, and Jennifer (Travis) Walvoord. He also raised three stepchildren, Neal (Charlene) Short, Keith Short and Melissa Brooks. He has many cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his honor.

Jim would often say “I’ve had a good life." He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may visit the family on Saturday, November 23 from 11am-1pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green St, Ithaca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory can be made to the American Legion (https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate#legion-org) or Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (https://giving.mskcc.org/).