William James Nichols

William James (Bill) Nichols passed away on Oct. 4, 2010 at Bethany Silver Lake in Everett, WA. He was 91 years old. He was born on June 17, 1919 in his hometown of Mound Valley, Ks. He attended elementary school and high school in Mound Valley. He graduated from high school in 1939. He is survived by his wife, Marie Nichols of North Bend, WA; three nephews: Harold R. Pilkington and Peggy Pilkington of Bothell, WA; Don and Donna Pilkington of Walnut, KS; and Harley and Carol Pilkington of Parsons, KS; two nieces, Lauretta Campbell and her son Joshua; Mary and John Hart and daughter Nicole of Bothell, WA and many friends. Bills long-time friends, Gary Warrinier and his mother, Dorothy were special friends of his. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Wilbert W. Nichols and John J. (Johnny) Nichols; two sisters, Ethel (Nichols) Pilkington, and Helen Nichols) Story. William James Nichols was the last of the Nichols as his siblings preceded him in death. Bill attempted to enlist in the service during World War II but it wasnt meant to be. While running to catch the train, he fell in an oil hole between the tracks and broke his leg. So he moved to Seattle, WA in the early 1940s and began working at Puget Sound Naval Shipyards in Bremerton, WA. Bill did do his part stateside to support the war effort! In 1975, He retired after a long sussful career at the shipyards. He followed in his fathers footsteps as his dad owned a sheet metal shop in Mound Valley, KS. Bill was member of numerous organizations including a life-time membership in the Arthur Murray Dance Studio/Club where he was an instructor. Other memberships included the Copacabana dance club, Whidbey Swingers, Seattle Swingers, the Eagles and Elks. As a child, he attended the Mound Valley (KS.) Christian Church. He met his future wife Marie at a dance. She vividly remembers the exact location and all the details. Not long afterwards, they were married at St. Marys Catholic Church in Coupeville, WA. All their friends at Merrill Gardens in Mill Creek, WA heartedly agree that They were an adorable couple. Bills pastimes obviously was dancing some of his family reports as well as traveling. He and his wife Marie took a trip to the Holly Land several years ago. He had a fond remembrance of his hometown of Mound Valley. He liked going to the Mound Valley High School Alumni and Homecoming Banquet around the Memorial Day weekend each year until his health did not permit it. Share memories with his family at www.becksfuneralhome.com Announcement: Remembrances can be sent to your favorite charity.