James A. Nichols of Fleetville passed away at home on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the age of 71.  He was the son of the late Lyle Nichols and late Thelma Schenk Nichols of Fleetville.  Jim was a life-long resident of Fleetville and a 1964 graduate of Benton Township School.  He continued his education at Williamsport Area Community College (now Pennsylvania College of Technology) where he studied automobile mechanics.

As a young man, Jim raced cars on the dirt tracks at Penn Can Speedway and other regional racetracks.  Jim left that pursuit to focus on his automotive repair business and recreational vehicle dealership.  In 1969, he took over his father’s school bus business and soon expanded this business into a multiple bus fleet operated as Nichols Bus.  Jim added motorcoaches to his operation in 1987. As an owner-operator, he traveled through much of the country driving bus for groups from the local community.  Jim was also a school bus trainer and CDL third party tester.

Over the course of his life, Jim was a volunteer in many community organizations.  He served as a member, president and chief of the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company.  He spent many years as a volunteer with the Benton Little League and Christy Matthewson Little League.  He served as president of both and coached several baseball and softball teams over the years. Jim was also a volunteer softball coach with Area P Special Olympics.

Jim was never “Mr. Nichols” to anyone.  He was “Jim” because he was instantly friends with everyone he met.  He was a kind-hearted, generous man who would give you his last nickel if you were in need.  Jim gave the best hugs, and his “family” was so much bigger than what nature gave him.  He loved dogs, peanut butter, Star Trek, his family, working and joking with everyone.  He enjoyed travel especially cruising to Bermuda, and he just returned from a trip to Bermuda last week.  Jim was an avid hunter and member of Pine Lodge in Skytop, PA.

Jim was preceded in death by an infant brother, George.  Jim is survived by his loving partner, Barbara Cruz, with whom he shared a long-time relationship.  Also surviving are daughter, Ginger Nichols (husband Dan Moore) of Denver, CO, daughter, Robyn Nichols (husband James R. Nichols) of Fleetville, PA, stepdaughter, Corryn Barrell (husband Josh Barrell) of Bradford, PA, stepdaughter, Candice Cruz of Dickson City, PA, and honorary daughter, Grace Benson of Hop Bottom, PA.  Jim is survived by four grandchildren: Seamus, Kiara, Hunter and Hayley and also by his beloved four granddogs.  He is additionally survived by his extended family of employees at Nichols Bus.

A celebration of life will be held from 6 to 9 PM on August 3, 2018 at Heart Lake Lodge, 1598 Heart Lake Rd, Scott, PA.  All are welcome to celebrate Jim’s life.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Laura’s Hope Rescue, 3385 Forest St, Hop Bottom, PA 18824.