James Nicholas

Jim was born in Negaunee, Michigan, the first son of Charles and Evelyn Nicholas. Raised in Marquette, Michigan, Jim enjoyed sports, scouting, martial arts, science, racing cars and boats, and photography. In the eighth grade Jim constructed his own telescope, winning a first place ribbon in the Science Fair, and later won a Second Place award for building a centrifuge. Jim built his own race boat and enjoyed tinkering with cars, later opening his own Mobil Service Station. Jim was an athlete, playing basketball, football, and running track. One race that made the local papers was the second place finish where he lost his shoe after the first turn and completed the race barefoot on a cinder track. Graduating from Graveraet High School in 1961, Jim was an Honor Roll Student and member of the Junior Achievement Group. Around 1964 Jim sold his Mobil Service station and moved out West where he started working for Schlage Lock Company. Jim served his country as a member of the Air National Guard during this time, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was in 1968 when he started his career with Xerox Corp. where he worked as a Computer Service Technician for almost 35 years in the Silicon Valley. ?Moby Nick? to his friends, he was well respected in his field of expertise, often traveling all over the West coast to assist with problems and even answering late night calls from across the nation to provide direction over the phone to make repairs. A ?Yooper? at heart, Jim returned to Michigan?s Upper Peninsula many times over the years and maintained close ties with his childhood friends. It was in California that he met his wife, Dorothy Mossman. Married in 1968, they had three children and settled in the city of Newark, where Jim resided for the remainder of his life. Jim enjoyed many family trips with Dolly and his sons, Jim, Chris, and Matt. Teaching his boys to fish, spending many hours in the car and on the sidelines of the soccer fields. Although they later separated, Jim and Dolly maintained a friendship throughout. Jim enjoyed fishing, BBQ?ing next to the pool, golfing, photography, and the company of friends. Jim is survived by his younger brother Jack Nicholas and his wife Joyce; Jim?s three sons and their wives, James and Courtney, Christopher and Kathleen, Matthew and Christine(fiancée); and his 7 grandchildren: Alexandra, Brianna, Zachary, Sophia, Jason, Thomas, and Cole. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 5pm at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. All are invited to attend, share memories, and celebrate Jim?s life.

James Nicholas

July 1, 1943 - April 13, 2012