James R. Nichols, age 55 of Newaygo, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. James was born in Lincoln Park, Michigan, on April 26, 1959, to Robert and Mary (Rummel) Nichols and later married Donna Gilbert. James had been a welder with Rapid Engineering for several years and enjoyed camping, working in his yard, cooking, his cat & dog, and spending time with his family. James is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his daughters, Skye Nichols and Venus Anglemyer and her children Emmalee and Adrian; 3 grandchildren; brother and sisters, Jack Nichols of Hesperia, Janet (Rich) Drews of Vandalia, Joyce (Dale) Omey of Taylor, and Judy (Jay) Malugen of Chesterfield; mother-in-law, Annette Gilbert; brothers-in-law, Dale (Diane) Patrick and Don (Deb) Tanis; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. James was preceded by his parents; 2 nephews; and father-in-law, Russ Gilbert. There will be a Celebration of Life for James on Friday, May 15, 2015, from 4 PM - 8 PM at the Crandell Funeral Home in White Cloud. For a more lasting memorial, friends are asked to consider Kid's Free Fishing Day or Career Tech Welding Department. Friends may share memories and condolences for James online at www.crandellfh.com.