John S. Nichols Jr., 64, of Millville died suddenly on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 of a heart attack. Born on April 17, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland, John moved from York, PA with his family to Millville in 1956.
John attended Dade Community College in Florida and held a bachelor's degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky, and a master's degree from Rowan University. He was employed for 31 years as the Executive Director of Public Relations at Cumberland County College. Over his career, John served under four college presidents, and won numerous national awards for college publications. John always had a camera in hand, chronicling college events.
John was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, and a Fantasy Football champion - fully immersed in the process, and usually a winner! John was a genuinely good man. When asked how he was, John inevitably answered, "Never had a bad day in my life."
John had a great love of music - particularly that of the 70's and 80's. In recent years, John began to take guitar lessons - a truly humbling experience, according to John. A proud Millville High School's Class of 1966, he wrestled on the varsity team and was a member of the Hi-Y Squires.
An active member of the community, John served on the United Way Board and was a member of Millville Kiwanis and the Millville Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by his sister, Roselee Nichols Roberts and brother in law, Art Roberts of St. Michaels, Maryland; and two nieces of Easton, Maryland and Portland, Oregon. He was predeceased by his parents, John S., Sr. (Sherm) and Mary Ellen Nichols; and a brother William. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, "How Ya Doin." John will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the Banquet Room of the Luciano Family Center for Leadership located on the Cumberland County College campus.
In lieu of flowers, contributions for a memorial scholarship may be made to the Cumberland County College Foundation, PO Box 1500, Vineland, NJ 08362-1500.
Arrangements are under the direction of Christy Funeral Home, Millville.
Memories and expressions of sympathy for John may be shared on the Obituary Tribute Wall at: Christyfuneralservice.com.