THE FAMILY REQUESTS, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS TO THE U.S. MARINES - TOYS FOR TOTS. YOU MAY BRING TOYS TO THE CHURCH ON THE DAY OF THE SERVICE OR SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF JOHN'S BOOK OF MEMORIES FOR THE DONATION LINK.
After living 1,000 years in the 76 calendar years that he had here on Earth, John passed away on March 19, 2021. John was born in Joplin, MO on May 8, 1944 to Val and Mary Nicholes. He was raised in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and graduated from Charles Page High School in 1962. John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1962 and served two tours in the Vietnam War. He served 28 years in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol – excelling in the Auto-Theft Division, as well as Special Operations. In 1965, John married Victoria Newhart in San Juan Capistrano, California. They were blessed with three incredible children: Andrew, Joy, and Kristi. He was a loving father and made sure his family was always taken care of. In his early years, John enjoyed racing motorcycles and SCUBA diving. He has always loved hunting, shooting, and fishing. In 2003, John married Lisa Beck, and the two shared over 17 years of marriage together. Together they enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, canoeing, and taking cruises. They were proud members of the Roaming Buffalos RV Club. In 2007, John received an exceedingly generous and amazing gift of a heart transplant. That blessing gave us 14 additional years of time and memories spent with him.
John will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his story-telling. It was always his goal to make people laugh. He was a stubborn, hard-headed, loveable teddy bear who never met a stranger. John will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but he left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by:
Parents, Val and Mary Nicholes;
Brother, Jackie Ray Nicholes;
Sister, Anna Lee Leibbrand;
Sister, Mary Wofford;
Brother-in-Law, B.K. Shaw
Survivors include:
Wife, Lisa Nicholes;
Friend and mother of his children, Victoria Nicholes;
Son, Dr. Andrew Nicholes and wife Lorraine Washburn-Nicholes;
Daughter, Rev. Joy Guthrie and husband Rev. Dean Guthrie;
Daughter, Kristi Nicholes;
Sister, Lou Shaw;
Brother, David Nicholes and wife Barbara;
Grandson, Dr. Marc Nicholes and wife Kelly;
Granddaughter, Jessica Nicholes;
Grandson, Rev. D.J. Guthrie and wife Michelle;
Granddaughter, Victoria Guthrie;
Granddaughter, Nina Washburn;
Great Grandchildren, Elliana Nicholes, Marcella Nicholes, and Bridget Kennedy;
Countless extended family and friends
John is also survived by his loyal K-9 partners – Sally and her daughter Susie – seen only by the highly trained eyes of Trooper John E. Nicholes.
