Dr. James B. Nichols Jr

Dr. James B. Nichols, Jr., of Kingsport, passed away peacefully at his second home (Holston Valley Medical Center) on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Born in Knoxville, TN on March 6, 1927, son of the late James B. and Margaret Goodland Nichols, he moved to East Tennessee in 1963. He was a Veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy, as well as a deacon and active member of First Baptist Church.

Dr. Nichols received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis and completed his residency in Neurological Surgery at the University of Cincinnati and affiliated hospitals. Throughout his medical career he touched the lives of many people.

Dr. Nichols was an accomplished artist, and in retirement he studied art at ETSU and in his travels. Dr. Nichols was also an avid golfer and was instrumental in the development of Graysburg Hills Golf Course.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Gerry Nichols, and his brother, Dr. Malcolm "Sonny" Nichols.

Dr. Nichols is survived by his daughter, Sharon Cotey and husband, David of Marietta, GA; sons, Jim Nichols and wife, Nicole of Dallas, TX, and John Nichols and wife, Donna of Thompson Station, TN; nine grandchildren, Rebecca Cotey Pryjmak and husband, Scott, Ben Cotey and wife, Ashley, Jennifer Cotey Thompson and husband, Adam, Alison Cotey, Austin Nichols, Grant Nichols, Henry Nichols, Walt Nichols and Carter Nichols; two great-grandchildren, Andrew Benjamin Cotey and Ansley Ruth Pryjmak; sister, Nancy Irvine of Knoxville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron and Rev. Mitch M. Whisnant officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Walt Nichols, Carter Nichols, Grant Nichols, Henry Nichols and Ben Cotey.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, Memorial Fund, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.