Jack Emery Nichols
September 8, 1949 - September 15, 2007
Obituary
58 years young, Jack passed away peacefully on Sept.15th surrounded by those who loved him. During his 18 month fight with a rare cancer, he never once complained and until the last weeks never let on that he knew it was incurable. A loving husband, father, son, brother & uncle, Jack was generous, kindhearted, and patient with everyone he met. He mentored scores of people as the first boss many people had, as well as being the tutor to not only his own children, but also mentored Jorge, Margarita, Rosaura, Trini, Hilda, Marisol, Rocio, Hector, Oscar, Eloy & Janet.
Born Sept 8, 1949 to Jack and Eunice Nichols, Jack Jr. was raised in Bellevue, attending Chinook Middle School and Bellevue High. He went on to the UW, graduating in 1971 from the Dept. of Engineering. While at the UW as President of Husky Winter Sports he made many of the friendships he still values today. He organized Spring Skiers trips for eastside school districts, parlaying that into a job with Doug Fox Travel. He became an owner and officer and helped to build the company to 31 offices. His love of travel began during the ‘70s and continued to his last few months of life. When they sold the travel agency in 1988, he held on to the Doug Fox Airport Parking lot, and opened Shuttlpark, AirStar and Shuttlepark 2. He was a partner in Excellular Communications, Syndeo Systems and Garagecraft and JNLB Land Company. His entrepreneurial spirit was a gift to all. He took chances in his businesses, but more importantly took chances on people who worked for him, always seeing the best in his employees and in return getting the best out of them. His work hard – play hard attitude was admired by all he worked with and those he played with.
In 1976 he met Mary Oaksmith who shared his adventurous travel spirit. After a 6 year courtship, they married and raised 4 children, Shannon, Allison and Andrea and Andres. They wanted to instill in their children their love of travel, so took them on many great adventures over the years. Jack was a very involved Dad at St. Philomena School and Kennedy High School, and seldom missed a child’s event, from Open House to Track Meets or Band Performances. He was Parent Club President and served on the School Commission for many years. As his kids would head off to school every day he would say to them “learn something.” His form of discipline if a child misbehaved or came home late was to “take a lake,” no matter what the season.
Jack’s greatest joy in life was sharing with his family and friends his love for travel, fine food, playing cards, golfing, boating, skiing, Lake Chelan, Husky football and basketball, and the Mariners. He made sure everyone was having as good a time “living life” as he.
He was Mr. Fixit who taught his kids and extended family how things work and how to repair them, a Dad to 4 but a father to 24. He touched so many lives, and hoped that everyone would “pay it forward” and help another person “make it” in this world.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hugh Maloney who began the search, Dr. Virginia Broudy, for taking Jack’s unusual case and never failed to hear Jack’s wishes; the Infusion Room Team, especially Mike & Gayle who do such a tough job with respect and compassion; Tanika on 7E who believes hot washcloths make a better bed bath than packaged towlettes; Darryl in Palliative Care who helped us tell our children and counseled us into the Hospice System; Providence Hospice, Sherry & Mary, you were the best; and the caring staff of Option Care who helped keep Jack with us for his last months. Harborview Hospital may be rough around the edges, but the quality of care Jack received is surpassed by none.
Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 22nd at 10:00am, St. Philomena Church, 1790 S. 222nd, Des Moines, WA. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Jack’s name to the UW Foundation for Harborview Oncology Dept., 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98101.
I miss Jack a lot.
Dear Mary, After talking with you yesterday and reading this memorial you wrote, I feel that I now have just a glimpse of this special man who meant so much to so many. I’m sorry I never had the chance to meet him and I wish you and your family peace and comfort in the months ahead. I will stay in touch. Andrea Myers
Our family is thinking of yours during this time and are sad about Jack’s passing but happy that he is no longer in pain.
We unfortunately missed the service on Saturday. We had travel plans to Chelan with friends. We drove by the house there and I reminisced with Natalie about the fun times at the lake and drinking beers with the fellas at the Campbell’s pub after a round of golf. What great times with a great man.
With deepest sympathy,
Jason
Jack crossed my path in the very early days of Doug Fox – just when ownership was shifting to Robert, George, Bonnie and Jack. Of course I initially thought Jack was just an arrogant upstart who got lucky and was in the right place at the right time. But, over the years I came to know and admire him greatly as a truly sincere and honorable man. He had great strength of character even as a young person. I’m glad to know his life played out the same way – surrounded by people who valued and loved him. My only advice is to talk about him all the time – it helps turn the grief into comfort. I’m glad I knew him – my thoughts are with you all. Linda Rufo
you might remember me as Linda deLaCombe
dear mary and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have such wonderful memories of jack and his delightful and quirky sense of humor, especially on the trip to Thailand with Doug Fox Managers those many years ago. So glad you all had a wonderful life together for so many years.
Mary,
It was Jack who believed in me and encourage me back in the 80’s at Doug Fox. The memories from our trips and friendships made are held near and dear. Thanks for sharing Jack with us Mary, and giving us those very personal memories to reflect upon.
Mary-
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and you’re family. Jack was always kind to everyone he met. He has left a large footprint that will never be forgotten.
Trish
Dear Nichols family, I was stunned to see Jack’s picture in the paper today! I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I remember you all fondly and pray for God to comfort you. Shannon–know that you are still in my heart! : Love, “Miss Shaw”
Dear Nichols Family,
Please accept my condolences and warm thoughts. I realize how tough things might be right now, but personally, every time I saw Mr. Nichols, he was trying to ensure that everyone had a good time. I thank him for that, and wish you all the best. I am sorry I could not make it across the pass for the service.
With Love,
Elizabeth Giesbers
I knew Jack nearly 40 years ago, in UW’s Husky Winter Sports. Jack was an inspiration then, and I see he continued that amazing energy and positive outlook throughout his life. My heartfelt condolences.
I met Jack when we were in the same 2nd grade class at Ashwood Elementary School back in the fifties and was also a member of the class of 1967 at Bellevue High. I remember him as a nice guy who always treated everyone with respect and it’s easy to understand why he was so highly regarded by everyone. We lost track through the years but I read about his business career occasionally in the newspapers, and it was no surprise that he was successful. God bless his family and friends. He will be missed.
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Jack was such an icon to the Curtin family. It comforts me to know that Jack is at ground “O” today. Knowing that he is in such good company with Ron, no doubt the laughter and stories between them abound today. All my love.
To the family, My sympathies and warm thoughts. I lived down the lake from you until 1989 and often called on Jack for real estate matters. He always treated me with kindness and respect and it was easy to see why he was so successful in business! He was a genuine “PEOPLE” person. Sincerely, Tom Roush
Dear Mary, Shannon,Andres, Allison,& Andrea,
My heart goes out to you during this time. I had the wonderful privilege to meet you all when I lived in Seattle, and spend great visits through family, whether east coast or west coast.
Jack is a true inspiration. I hope to carry on his spirit by aspiring to his example. The skies are brighter because of him.
It’s hard to sum up all of the great memories of and experiences with Jack. I’ve tried for several weeks and I just keep thinking of more. Mine are mostly of Doug Fox Travel in the 70’s and 80’s. Also working with “Mary O” for years! My thoughts are with you all – past, present and future.
Alice B
We lost a good one. You will be remembered, missed, admired and forever loved, Jack. This earth won’t be the same, but I believe it’s a better place having had you in it for 58 years and there’s only a select few people I truly believe have that kind of influence. Thanks for showing me what kind of person we should all strive to be.
Dear Mary and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Some of my fondest memories were of my ten years working with him at Doug Fox Travel. He was a genuinely nice, caring and fun loving person . . . and he had great sense of humor. He touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Lynn
Dear Mary and family, so many owe so much to Jack for his kindness, generousity and mentoring skills that became the launch pad for the hundreds of young men and women whose working careers began with Jack. A true friend that one cannot soon forget.
Working with Jack over the past many years, both in Accounting and Properties for the Port of Seattle, I always felt like something had been accomplished after conversations that we had. Jack always took the time to understand issues and worked collaboratively to solve them. He also made sure those around him understood the issues as well. His easy demeanor made others feel welcome and valued. I will truly miss working with him!
I will never forget Jack’s advice to me once – “Take time to stop and smell the flowers”.
Those years at Doug Fox Travel are still remembered and talked about! Jack, we were a great bunch. Thanks for all the memories.
KK
Dear Mary and family,
What a shocker. Mary you were my 1st manager in the old travel days when we 1st got computers.. and Jack was a superb business man, husband, father and our fearless leader at the airport office, always looking for ways to improve things and be more efficient. A great inspiration to many and a great loss to us all.
No doubt he is doing good in higher places now. You were a super team in marraige and life.
Salute to Jack.
Warm regards and my deepest sympathy,
Marta K. Brace
Victoria and I knew Jack through my father – Larry Bailey – and knew him to be an incredibly warm and generous friend and partner to my father. We wish our sincerest condolences to the Nichols family.
Sincerely,
Peter Bailey
Mary & Family,
All our love, strenght and hope for the future are with you. Our sympathy and prayers.
Love Maria & Steve & Family
Jack taught me so much of what I know today I don’t think I realized what a mentor he was until recently. Truly a remarkable man is many ways…I am blessed to have known him for the 15 years I did. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
I was so sorry to hear about Jack Jr.’s death. Although I’m but a distant cousin, I was able to meet and spend time with Eunice and my cousins in the summer of 1972 when I attended a dance workshop in Seattle. My condolences to Eunice and all of Jack’s many friends and family members.
A family is so precious. May you all have the strength and comfort of each other in your lives ahead, one day at a time. Remember, you will always have Jack’s love in your hearts.
To a family who was blessed to have Jack in their lives, I send my thoughts and prayers. I will never meet another human being with the love, caring, and zest for life that he had. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be missed by all. There will always be a special place in my heart for him for all he has done both with and for my son. God bless you all…..
I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. Although we all lost touch for the past years, I never forgot the great times we had at Doug Fox. Jack was a big part of those memories.
Jack was a wonderful person. When I started my business, he was a role model on how to treat clients and employees. His loyalty to those in his life was incredible. Jack will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are will his family.
I will try my hardest to keep the good spirits and try not to fail. As many times I almost did, but you kept on telling me if you can’t do it the first time, try again, again and again. Until you can. Thank you Jack we will always love and remember you.
I was with Aloha Airlines in Seattle from 1976 through 1987. Jack always had time for me. Whenever I needed to leave town for a business trip he made sure I was taking good care of when I needed to park my car at the airport.
My condolances to the family and I shall always remember Jack being one of the most genuine and generious business professionals in the travel industry. He will truly be missed by many.
Lots of wonderful memories of the Doug Fox Travel days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack was my boss for around 15 years. He always inspired his employees to make the job a great place to work and grow. I will miss him.
My heart goes out to a wonderful, generous man and his amazing, loving family. He was taken much too soon. I want to thank the Nichols for always donating their time, energy and hearts to Kennedy High School, especially to my crazy softball girls. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Three words describe Jack:
ONE CLASS ACT.
We all lost a great guy.
Mary–my all time favorite student at Blanchet– sorry for your loss. Will remember Jack as well as you and your family at Mass this Sunday.
Peace to you Mary…
Father Michael J. Ryan
Mary and family, You may not remember us, but we both worked at Doug Fox Airport Office through the 80’s, before moving on to other branches, and then other careers. We are yet another couple that met under “Jack and Mary”, married, and continue to go strong!
As employees, we definitely were impacted by the “work hard-play hard” ethic of Jack, and being young upstarts, it made a huge, and lasting impression. We both agree it was one of the best jobs we ever had and we know that was because of the people we worked with, and worked for.
Thank you, Jack, for influencing so many. And Mary, may you and your family find comfort in your memories and always be embraced and inspired by them.
Most Sincerely,
Mark and Carrie Wilson
MARY AND FAMILY: I MET JACK IN THE DECEMBER OF 1985. I HAD JUST STARTED MY CONTRACTING COMPANY FOR THE SHIP YARD, AND THE COMPANY THAT WAS EMPLOYING ME LET ME GO. I HAD PUT AN AD IN THE LITTLE NICKLE AD, AND RON CURTAIN AND JACK NIKOLS WERE CONSIDERING ME TO DO SOME WORK AT THE SHUTTLE PARK. I WAS HURTING FOR WORK AND MONEY TO KEEP MY FAMLY WELL AND COMFORTED. I HAD ASKED FOR 50% DOWN AND JACK WAS CONCERNED ON THE SAID AMOUNT. WE MET AND HAD A 10 MINUTE CONVERSATION, AND IT WAS THEN THAT HE BECAME DETERMINED THAT I WAS GOOD FOR IT. HE WAS ABLE TO SEE MY INTEGRITY, THAT THE JOB WOULD GET DONE AND COMPLETED. FOR THE NEXT 17 YEARS, HE WAS MY FRIEND AND I WILL SURELY MISS HIM. MAY YOUR COURAGE TO CONTINUE WITHOUT JACK SHINE TO THE HEAVENS TO BLESS HIS HEART FOR ALL TO SEE. YOUR FRIEND, DEAN FROM DEAN’S GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.
P.S.: EVERY TIME I SEE JACK IN THE JACK IN BOX COMMERCIALS, I THINK OF JACK, MY FRIEND.
Jack was the catalyst of many good times for many people over many years. He was loved by all, and will be sorely missed.
He did touch so many through the years, with you, Mary, by his side and will be missed by us all. I will always cherish his friendship and partnership in our travel company.
To the Nichols family- We miss him here at the airport office already. He always made my day just seeing and talking to him. What a terrific person and how lucky we all were to have known him! Julie Crotts
Dearest Mary and Family,
Please know many people are remembering Jack for all he was and all he gave so unconditionally.
Jack was a true gentleman with a level of integrity not often seen today.
Mary, I know these last few months have been journey of true love and a time of deep commitment.
May God Bless you for holding his hand and his heart in so many ways.
Mary, Shannon, Allison, Andrea and Andres-
I dont know how to express my sorrow for what you are going through. Seeing as I lost my dad less than a year ago, you might think I would know what to say. But the only thing I can say is that it gets easier with time. Cherish the good memories of your dad I know you have alot. Think and talk about him often. Jack was a great man and I know that my dad and yours are in heaven now watching over us and being so proud of us. I love you all!
Dear Mary, Allison, Andrea and Andres,
My prayers are with you during yet another difficult week in your family’s lives. May God give each of you abundant grace and strength and never-ending faith, always.
Our good intentions and prayers are with you en espanol.
Sincerely,
Senora Myrna Gran Moffat
And Allison, too! I didn’t mean to forget you, Allison – querida!