James Willie Nickson, age 81, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018.  He was born in Memphis, TN and was a former resident of Gary, IN and Silver Spring, MD. He was graduate of Gary Roosevelt High School, Class of 1954. Mr. Nickson was a retired master machinist, U.S. Steel, Gary Works. He received his apprenticeship through U.S. Steel and became a journeyman machinist. James was a long time member of United Steelworkers Local 1066.

Mr. Nickson was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a former member of St.Timothy Community Church (Gary, IN) and The People’s Congregational United Church of Christ Church (Washington, D.C.) where he served as treasurer of the Men’s Fellowship. While a resident of Lee County, Alabama, he was an active volunteer at the Lee County Youth Development Center and a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn University.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Sarah Nickson; wife, Carlita Jean Brundidge Nickson; brothers, Walter and David Nickson; sister, Thelma Adamson.

Survivors: daughters, Stacey (Susie Manning), of Auburn, AL, Sara “Shelly” (Willie Jr.) Coleman of Murrieta, CA; grandchildren Willie, III and Carlita Coleman, Murrieta, CA, brothers; Pete (Alice Jean), Valparaiso, IN, Ezell (Galen), Hobart, IN, Robert (Tonya), Merrillville, IN, Edgar, Graniteville, South Carolina; sisters, Dorothy (Samuel) McNeal, Memphis, TN, Bobbie Sease and Josephine (Walter) Haney, Gary, IN, Ola (Roscoe) Hood, Chicago, IL; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial Service Friday, December 14 at 6:00pm, 2018 at the Auburn University Chapel, corner of College and Thach, Auburn, AL, Rev. Dr. Joan Harrell officiating.

The Nickson Family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mr. Nickson below.