A celebration of life will be held at a future date for 87-year-old John G. Nicholson of Ellis Grove, Illinois, who passed away at 8:15 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living, Carlyle, Illinois.
He was born April 30, 1938 in St. Louis, Mo. to Glenn and Edna (nee Thomas) Nicholson.
He is survived by three children: Cheryl (Arthur) Martin of Belleville, Ill,, Georgette Nicholson of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., and Don (Lisa) Nicholson of New Athens, Ill.; two step-children: Lori (Bill) Thomas of Lenzburg, Ill. and Richard Mulholland; a brother: Robert Nicholson of Red Bud, Ill.; long-time companion: Jean Smith of Ellis Grove, Ill.; good friend: Steve Smith of Ellis Grove, Ill.; 11 grandchildren: Megan (Shawn) Ballor, A.J. (Katie) Martin, Amber Nicholson, Ashley Nicholson, Adam Nicholson, Aaron Nicholson, Levi Smith, Zoey Smith, John Murray, Carl Walsh, and Layla Walsh;
two great grandchildren: Savannah and Lane Martin; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: his first wife: Elizabeth (nee Leemon) Nicholson, second wife: Carolyn (nee Rednour) Nicholson; a daughter: Nichole Nicholson; two brothers: Edward Nicholson and David Nicholson; three sisters: Rose (Kenneth) Romine, Martha Carnahan, and Delores (Roy R.) McMillan, and two sisters-in-law: Diane Nicholson and Emily Nicholson.
John had worked for Zanders Sporting Goods for over 20 years.
John enjoyed taking long drives and playing cards.
John served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division from 1959 to 1962, and he was especially proud to have been a paratrooper.
It was John’s wish to be cremated.
A Celebration of Life and burial at Gilbert Cemetery, Ames, Illinois, at a later date.