John Ernest Nichols

John Ernest Nichols, 81 passed away on January 13, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. John was born March 12, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Theodore and Catherine Nichols. He was the oldest and a first-generation U.S. born child, his mother being a Canadian immigrant and his father being a Greek immigrant. John survived his younger sister Rose Marie. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 40 years Linda Nichols, aunt Bettye McDonald, cousins Laura and Tom Bozzick, Jonathan (Natalie) Bozzick, Joshua Bozzick and cousins Karen and David Ribble, Ian Ribble (Jessica) and Erika Regan (Daniel). He was an Arizona resident for 27 years as well as living in Michigan, California, Nevada and Texas.

John was a veteran serving in the United States Coast Guard. He began his career as a UAW journeyman tool and die maker in Detroit Michigan and went to college part time to graduate from Wayne State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and later from West Coast University in Los Angeles California with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He held many certifications in various disciplines of engineering. John was a professionally licensed engineer in California and Nevada as well as being an inventor and held a patent. John worked in many disciplines of engineering; automotive, aerospace and defense, medical products and devices, plumbing fixtures, mechanical appliances and electronics.

John was a unique individual and had a unique sense of humor. He enjoyed NASCAR races, speed boat races, Harley motorcycles, classic cars, 80’s English rock music, reading technical journals, concerts and traveling with his wife Linda. He was an NRA supporter and enjoyed target shooting with friends. His most compassionate hobby was exercising and weight lifting. John lived a very healthy lifestyle and was an exercise enthusiast as well as a competitive body builder. As an exercise enthusiast John even took his gym bag on his honeymoon with Linda. John competed in 3 professional body building competitions after he was 65 years of age and received a winner’s trophy from each competition. Over his lifetime he was a member of many gyms and health clubs. John and his best friend Phil were owners of the Presidential Health Club in Detroit. In his more recent years he was known at his gyms as being the social director.

John was very much a home body, a gentle caring and kind man, very affectionate and a genuine person. John was spiritual, loved God and his church. He loved all of his pets, especially his kitty cats. John was liked by many and loved by his family, friends and pets. He was a loving husband, brother, son, cousin, nephew and friend to many and he will be forever missed. John had a long fight with recurring cancer and had many surgeries and treatments.

His mortal life here on earth has ended but his eternal life has just begun with all who have passed before him. John’s family requests that a donation be made to Ascension Lutheran Church or your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

Services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11 am at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W Magee Road, Tucson, Arizona and Pastor Tom Braun will be officiating. The service will be live streamed and posted to the Ascension Lutheran Church website. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.