James Nichols

James Cusick Nichols, age 82, of Carmel, CA died May 23, 2016. James was the son of Edgar Clito Nichols and Pearl Dykhouse Nichols. He attended Kalamazoo State High School, 1947-1951; the University of Michigan, 1951-1953, 1955-57; and Army Dental Corp., 1953-1955. James maintained premier antique shop in SW Michigan. He was an authority on historical styles, specializing in Asian. He consulted with KIA, WMU, Kalamazoo College, and other universities on collections, authenticity and evaluation. James was a companion and caregiver to his mother, Pearl, living at the Marlborough and later at Studio on Davis Street. Upon her death, he moved to Carmel, CA in 1978. He became a steady fixture in the antique scene; attending shows throughout California, showing the highest quality merchandise. Always stylish, he blended old world sophistication and 1960s flower power. Hallmarks of his individual style: cane, bow tie, boater, seersucker jacket, and an excess of rubber bands. Jim was a champ at both crosswords and cribbage. His wit, humor and kindness were legendary. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Clito, brothers, Dykhouse and Ned and sister, Ann. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Loretta Nichols and her children, Kris Nichols, Monica Rasmussen, Kelsey Schill, and Edgar C. Nichols; sister-in-law, Nan Gannon and her daughter, Charlotte; in addition to eight Dykhouse cousins. The family is forever grateful to Jim's many California friends who looked after him; especially Michael Helmes, Jeannie Koby, Marj Van Dusen, Bob Shuler, Bob Foxworthy and Robert Hamm, who provided Jim with endless love and comfort. Cremation by Neptune Society. A Memorial will be held at later date.