John "Jack" V. Nichols, Sr.

John “Jack” Vincent Nichols, Sr., 94, of Gilson, Illinois, died at 3:57 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Settler’s Grove Senior Living Community, Knoxville, Illinois.

Jack was born December 24,1931 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Roy Vincent and Viola Louise (Larson) Nichols. His early childhood was spent exploring and playing on the farms his grandparents owned. He attended school in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1949. After his graduation from Galesburg High School, Jack went on to attend Purdue University, graduating in 1953. He then joined the US Air Force in 1953, attending navigation school at Ellington Air Force Base in Pasadena, Texas where he served as a flight navigator, eventually becoming an instructor. While in Texas, Jack married Charlotte Foster on July 3, 1954 in Pasadena. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jack and Charlotte returned to Galesburg, where Jack worked at Victor Casket Hardware Company prior to becoming an Agriculture Chemical Salesman for many years. Jack’s last working years were spent as a rural mail carrier, a job he dearly loved.

Jack and Charlotte had five children, all of whom survive, John (Becky) Nichols, Jr. of Oneida, Illinois, Joseph (Debra) Nichols of Knoxville, Illinois, Catherine (Michael Johnson) Nichols of Gilson, Carrie (Tom) Shull of Abingdon, and Ann Marie (Matthew) Monsess of Rio, Illinois. Jack is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Christopher (Tasha) Johnson, Kate (Michael) Foster, Sam (Sarah) Nichols, Joe (Emily) Nichols, Rachell Hurd, Rebecca Swise, Paul (Katy) Nichols, Britta (Mitch) Johnson, T.J. Bindseil, and Isabelle Bindseil; 18 great grandchildren, a sister, Patricia (Phil) Riggs of Charlotte, North Carolina; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Foster of Colorado and Barbara Foster of Galesburg.

Charlotte preceded Jack in death on October 7, 2015. He is also preceded by his parents and one brother, George.

To know Jack was to know fun. He was the life of the party, the entertainer, and the jokester. He had a sharp mind and wit and enjoyed giving those he cared about a hard time. Jack was often described as ornery. He had a zest for life that he shared with the abundant friends he made throughout his lifetime, resulting in a robust collection of life stories that he loved sharing!

Of all the gifts he experienced throughout his life moving the family to the farm in 1973 was a dream come true for him and the love of his life, Charlotte. Together they acquired a herd of cows that they nurtured for many years. They spent hours in the orchard and garden raising fruits and vegetables that they turned into jams, jellies, and frozen and canned food to be shared and enjoyed. Jack learned how to work the farm ground and put up hay for the cattle. The farm was a gathering place for family and friends. They were blessed with the best neighbors who became dear friends. Most of all, Jack loved his family and deeply adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was one of kind and he will be dearly missed.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the director, nurses, and all staff-family of Settler’s Grove for their unwavering support, care and love they showered upon Jack for many years. The Nichols family is also profoundly grateful for the exceptional care, support, compassion, and love provided by the wonderful professionals of Hospice Compassus.

Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside services will be at Haynes Cemetery, Delong, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held at the farm on Saturday, June 27, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry-St. Cresent Parish or to the “Friends of the Knox County Nursing Home” group. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.