SEARSPORT – Jackson Ross Nichols, 88, passed away April 24, 2007, after making the best of five years with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. He was born Oct. 15, 1918, in Worcester, Mass., the youngest of three children of Robert Porter Nichols and Martha Jane Ross of Searsport. He had been living with his son in Surprise, Ariz., for the past four years. Jackson graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1940, pursuing a career as a metallurgical engineer in the steel industry. He married Virginia Marguerite Weiss of Alton, Ill., in 1942; a talented musician and vocalist who played in the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra at age 14. Virginia was a well-known cellist. Jackson served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. Jackson and Virginia had three children and were active in church activities throughout their 42-year marriage. Virginia predeceased Jackson, in 1985. He married Patricia Knox of Searsport, in 1986, who then died seven years later, in 1992. His sense of humor, warm and friendly nature, along with his commitment to duty, responsibility and integrity, gained him great respect, not only by his family, but all who came to know him. He will be missed. In addition to his first wife and second wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Marguerite, in 2004; and his sister, Lucy Nichols, in 2006. He is survived by a daughter, Pamela Jane; son, Robert William; a brother, Clark Nichols; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. An open casket viewing with a memorial service after, will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, at First Congregational Church, Searsport.
JACKSON ROSS NICHOLS
