James Ray Nichelson

James Ray Nichelson was born on December 16, 1977 to Dennis and Marilyn (Brown) Nichelson in Seward, Nebraska.  He attended Centennial High School graduating in 1996.  James worked as a handyman.  He was truly a jack of all trades.  In the Nichelson family he was the MacGyver.  He could make something out of nothing. James met Mindy Hager of York, Nebraska and had two beautiful children Ayden and Emma. In his free time, he enjoyed being with his daughter Emma, son Ayden, and hanging out with family, finding hidden treasures where one may question there could be any treasure at all. James was a lover.  He loved all.  Any person James came in contact with he left a lasting impression.  His love was felt in his presence at any gathering, a random stop in a store, or a quick visit while running an errand. James loved to fish.  He would enjoy a day on the bridge with friends and family, later cleaning them and making an incredible dinner.  He loved to go for a nice drive and sing Tattoo by Jordon with Emma.  Yes, hitting all the high pitch notes too. James had a love for children.  He would spoil them every chance he got.  He had many nieces and nephews.  James loved his two children Ayden and Emma more than anything in this world.  In James’s final days we witnessed the comfort of James staring into Emma’s eyes and the eyes of his family.  You could tell Emma, his daughter, was the love of his life!  There was so much peace and comfort provided.  James is a hero in many ways, but in his final moments; James threw a wrench into “the plans”, and we were notified he was an organ donor.  He was in the less than two percentile that he was able to donate his organs.  He was able to donate his liver and his kidneys.  His life will live on through others.  He was honored with walk at Bryan East hospital “Honor Walk” where the hallways were packed with friends, family, nurses, doctors, and medical staff giving James the love and respect he deserved in those final moments.  It was a very special time. James passed away on July 31, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 46.  He left behind two loving children Emma Hager and Ayden Hager both of York, Nebraska.  He is survived by his father, Dennis Nichelson of Utica, Nebraska; brothers, Chris Nichelson of Utica, Nebraska, Jeremy Nichelson of Miami Springs, Florida and David (Terasa) Nichelson of Cordova, Nebraska;   Sisters; Pamela Nichelson of York, Nebraska. James had 5 nieces: Sidni, Marri-Lyn, Serenity, Caprice, Mina, and 3 Nephews: Dravenn, Jacub, and Jacob.  Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  James was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Nichelson, Brother Richard Nichelson (lost as baby), many Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents.

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