Holly Springs Funeral Home

James Edward Nichols

James Edward Nichols of Oxford, MS passed away peacefuly on May 19, 2018 after an extended illness and hospice care. He was ninety years old. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jean Simmons Nichols of Oxford, one daughter: Karla Nichols Massey (Randy Massey) of Oxford, two sons: Ron Nichols of Oxford and Mike Nichols (Terri Matthew) of Temple, TX, two grandsons: Scott Nichols of Temple, TX and Matt Nichols (Niloo Nichols) of Huntsville, AL and, two great-grandsons: Rais Nichols and Ryder Nichols of Huntsville, AL.

James was born April 8, 1928 in Winborn, MS. He went to school and graduated from Potts Camp in 1947. He went to Northwest MS Junior College where he was a three sport athlete in bseball, basketball and football. After a football injury ended a promising baseball career, Jammes Edward graduated from Northwest in 1949. He ttaught school at Pinedale HS for two years before continuing his education at the Univesity of Mississippi where he received a BS degree in Education in 1954. He returned to Ole Miss for a Masters Degree in Education Administration in 1961.

James Edward was a teacher, coach and principal from 1951 through 1968 including stints at Big Creek, Taylor, Eupora, Vardaman and Wood Junior College. He is best remembered as a women's basketball coach. During his 14 years as a women's coach his team won 381 games and lost only 92 for a winning pecentage of 81%. Ten of his last eleven teams progressed to the state tournament in Jackson making him one of the most successful coaches in the state.

In 1968 James Edward took a job with the University of Mississippi and moved his family to Oxford to support his wife who was pusuing her doctoral degree. He remained with Ole Miss for the next eighteen years unntil his retirement in 1986. During this time and afterwards in retirement James Edward pursued his other passion which was raising, training and showing TN Walking Horses. His awards include countless Mississippi state championships and numerous Mid-South championships and several reserve world championships. In 1995 James Edward won the Walking Horse Owner's Association high point award, and in 1996 the Mississippi Walking Horse Association elected James Edward to the hall of fame.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tupelo Christian Preparatory School girl's basketball program. 5440 Endville Rd. Belden, MS. 38826

There will be a Memorial Service at the funeral home, Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:00 am.


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