James William Nickerson, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Jim, as friends and family knew him, was born on May 28, 1923 to Floyd and Myrtle (Stevens) Nickerson in Bellingham, Washington. Jim later moved to Hamilton, Washington, attending Hamilton High. Jim enlisted in the Army in March of 1944, serving in World War II with the 30th Infantry Division. He was wounded in action in Aachen, Germany, earning a variety of medals for his service, including the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. On April 2, 1949, he married the love of his life, Clarice (Fitzgerald) Nickerson, and they had one daughter, Linda.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, making his living working heavy equipment in the logging industry, retiring from Scott Paper in 1988. He enjoyed camping and exploring mountain trails, the Mount Baker area being a favorite spot. Jim was a devoted family man, always encouraging and supporting his daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their various endeavors. Jim loved sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks, rarely missing a home game in the Kingdome. He and Clarice were also very devoted to local sports teams, the Sedro Woolley Cubs being a favorite. Jim was extremely patriotic, speaking often of the military and fellow servicemen. He enjoyed studying everything related to World War II, sharing his personal stories as well as his passion for his country with his great-grandchildren. Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, loyalty to friends, and his love of country. Jim was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend; he will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Linda Dixon of Snohomish; granddaughter, Kristin Cortés and her husband, Christopher of Snohomish; grandson, Kevin Dixon of Lake Stevens; great-grandchildren, C.J. (11), Gabriel (8) and Isabella Cortés (6), and Kaden Dixon (10). He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarice Nickerson; parents, Floyd and Myrtle Nickerson, and sisters, Ruth and Eva.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Greenhills Memorial Cemetery in Burlington with Pastor David Hodgin officiating. A reception following the service will be held at Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Viewing is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim’s name to the military organization of your choice. Share memories of Jim and sign the on-line guest register.