Jimmy Nichols, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Naples, Fla., surrounded by his sons and grandchildren. A man of deep faith and an unwavering focus on his family, Jimmy was also known for his lifelong passion for golf. He played regularly even into his final week of life, achieving his first hole-in-one in 2025.
Jimmy was born, grew up, and graduated from high school in Atlanta, Tex. He went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he pursued a degree in Music Education, fostering a talent and love for singing that stayed with him throughout his life.
Jimmy began his career teaching in the Houston, Tex., school district. During his summers, he drove buses at Glacier National Park – a formative chapter where he met the love of his life, Betsey. The couple married and moved to Mabel to plant roots and start their family. They shared 58 beautiful years of marriage, until her passing in 2019.
Jimmy and Betsey indulged their shared wanderlust, traveling to every continent before splitting their time between Minnesota and Naples, Fla. As a native Texan, Jimmy was deeply drawn to the Florida warmth and the opportunity to play golf year-round. He was also an active and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Naples, where he enjoyed rich fellowship and built a wonderful community of close friends.
He is survived by his four sons: Ward (Sue) Nichols of Saint Paul, Minn., Timothy Nichols of South St. Paul, Minn., Andrew (Anna) Nichols of Crystal, Minn., and Matt (Jen) Nichols of Buffalo, Minn.; eight cherished grandchildren, his sister Gwendolyn; and his brother Ben.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betsey Nichols betsey-nichols , his son Craig Nichols, his parents Jewel and Mamie Nichols, his sister Virginia Ann, and his brother J. William “Bill” Nichols.
Services will be held in Mabel Cemetery on June 27 at 1:30 p.m. Reception will be held at Phelps Park pavilion #3 in Decorah following the service.
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