Obiturary: St. Clair Shores Fire Department Lt. James A. Nichols Served His Community, Country

St. Clair Shores Fire Department Lt. James A. Nichols, who served in the U.S. Army and was described as a "loyal" member of the fire department, died Dec. 15, 2012.

Lt. Nichols, 45, was a registered nurse and a 16-year veteran of the St. Clair Shores Fire Department where he was a paramedic and a member of the Macomb County Technical Rescue Team.

He was honored recently during the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores Firefighter recognition breakfast for being one of five firefighters from St. Clair Shores who are part of this team.

"We are a safer Macomb County because of these firefighters," said Chief George Morehouse during the ceremony.

Lt. Nichols also was a Medic/MP in the U.S. Army and served in the 1989 United State invasion of Panama.

"Jim was a proud and loyal member of our department," Chris Krotche, President, IAFF Local 1744, wrote on the city Facebook page. "Jim was the person who saw each person as his family member, treated you not only with skills but kindness, assisted you child at the Easter egg hunt and gave them tours of the fire station. Jim would not think twice of helping a citizen or co-worker, a devout Christian. He loved the community he lived and worked in."

He was the beloved husband and friend of Michelle; loving father of Jacob, Tyler, and Theodore; dear son of Glenn and Ruth; caring brother of Nancy (Frank) Duchane, Michael (Marie), Daniel, Sara (David) Follebout; proud uncle of Nicole, Brian (Brownstown Fire Department), Jessica, and Samantha, and great-uncle of numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 20, from 4:30 - 9 p.m. at the Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Visitation will continue Friday, Dec. 21, at 3 - 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Pass and Review by the Fire Department at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 11:30 a.m. at Shaublin Auditorium, 21100 E. 11 Mile Rd, St. Clair Shores.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James Nichols' name to the Down River Helping Hands of Marine City, 310 South Parker Street  Marine City, MI 48039.