James R. Nicholson, Jr. Obituary (1964 - 2016)

James R. Nicholson, Jr. of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the UNC Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill. James was born July 31, 1964 to James R. Nicholson, Sr. and Chae Nicholson. He graduated from Pine Forest Senior High School in 1984. After high school, along with his mother, James attended Fayetteville Technical Community College to learn auto mechanics and carpentry. In 2011 James became assistant manager at Nan-a-lin Farms, a commercial poultry farm started by his sister, Nancy and brother-in-law, Lindy McGhee. He loved working there and was an exceptional employee. During that time he also lived in Autryville with his sister and brother -in-law. With the help and support of his father and many kind Masons, James became an honorary Mason and an active member of The Sudan Temple Shriners. He enthusiastically participated in numerous Hillbilly Shriner events and parades across North Carolina, with kind assistance from fellow Masons and friends, Bill Ivey, Jr. and Bill Ivey, Sr. of Fayetteville. James was an avid fisherman and on many occasions, he could be found on the pier or on a boat fishing somewhere along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina with his sister and brother-in-law or on a lake with his good neighbor, Ken Triplett. James also enjoyed amusement parks, driving the farm tractor, word find puzzles, television and the company of four beloved dogs Max, Ranger, Rocky and Toby. During his illness, at the age of 51, it was revealed that James was also a naturally gifted artist when he participated in a paint workshop at UNC Cancer Hospital hosted by his sisters in October 2014. There he made his very first painting paying tribute to his sister Nancy, a registered nurse who quickly and lovingly became his fulltime caregiver throughout his battle with leukemia. In 2015, James produced his second painting with his eldest sister, whom he always enthusiastically introduced to everyone as "That's my sister Sandra --The Artist!" In her art studio, he painted "The Tree of Life" and did a beautiful job. Throughout his journey of diagnosis and treatment, James became an inspiration to others who were battling health issues of their own. He gained a following of loving supporters when his sisters began posting videos of his progress. Throughout all his painful biopsies and treatments he never once complained and in fact could be seen with a smile on his face and many times saying, "I'm gonna fight the good fight." Thousands of Facebook views and comments to and for him revealed that he had an impact on many lives. He received many cards and gifts from kind supporters who got to know him through his candid videos on Facebook. He had a contagious smile for everyone he encountered whether through Facebook or in person. James was preceded in death by his devoted father, James R. Nicholson, Sr. and grandmother, Eva McDonald Reichard. He is survived by his beloved mother, Chae Nicholson of Fayetteville; his loving sisters Sandra Dee Nicholson of Fayetteville; and Nancy Ann Nicholson-McGhee of Autryville. He is also survived by his loving brother-in-law and business partner, Lindy R. McGhee of Autryville. James was a kind and loving soul whose joyous presence and exuberant spirit will be missed by many. Visitation will be held at Adcock Funeral Home in Spring Lake on Wednesday, June 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Masonic Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 in the chapel of Adcock Funeral Home. James will be laid to rest next to his father, Ret. CW2 James R. Nicholson, Sr. at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 2 p.m. following funeral services. Condolences may be left at adcockfuneralandcrematory.com