James N. Nicholson

Jim Nicholson was born on Christmas Day, 1921, in Harrison, Ark., and died Aug. 13, 2010 in Harrison. He was a child of the Great Depression, which defined his lifelong work ethic. He graduated from Harrison High School, coming of age in WWII, as a tailgunner on a Navy torpedo bomber in the Pacific. He flew 42 combat missions from three different aircraft carriers, receiving numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After his war experience, he lived every day as a gift, returning to graduate from the University of Arkansas, marrying the love of his life, Fern Raulston. They had two sons, Ed and Randy, whom they raised in Harrison. They had a classic marriage, which spanned 60 years. Jim worked in several occupations, spending 14 years as the Boone County Tax Collector, before retiring in 1980.  Jim and Fern traveled extensively, but he always considered the Ozarks the most beautiful place in the world. He loved his family. He loved his country, and held those who served it in the highest honor. He was a yellow dog Democrat. A lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison, he had a deep and abiding faith, which he carried every day of his life. He lived life on his own terms, leaving behind six grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and an extended circle of family and friends, all of whom knew him as one of the most contented people they ever met. Jim penned an autobiography, with detailed accounts of his service experience, which can be found at http://www.jimnicholson.blogspot.com. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Harrison Building Fund.