BOARDMAN — James Nichols, 89, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, after a brief illness.
James, affectionately known as “Coach,” “Nick” and “Jimmy Nick,” was born July 21, 1933, to the late William and Marjorie Watwood Nichols.
He graduated in 1951 from Boardman High School, where he excelled on the basketball court. In his senior year, the team went undefeated until their last game, when they lost to his future wife’s alma mater, Campbell Memorial. In 1995, he was inducted into the Boardman High School Hall of Fame. He attended and played basketball at both Muskingum College and Mount Union College. After college, he enlisted in the Marines and was honorably discharged. He worked for Carling Brewing as a delivery driver, prior to becoming a sales representative for both West Chemical and the Hillard Company. James eventually started his own company, Wood Floors Inc., and was well known throughout the state of Ohio for over 30 years, for refinishing gym floors.
James was a member of both Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell and St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman. At St. John, he coached the G.O.Y.A. boys’ basketball team for many years, greatly impacting many young lives and building lifelong friendships. Many referred to “Coach” as “the best coach in the diocese.” Jokingly, Jim would say “I’ve forgotten more basketball than some people will ever know!”
Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Arfaras, whom he married Oct. 11, 1964; his brother, William; his son, Jimmy; and his son-in-law, attorney Joseph Kondela.
James is survived by his daughter, Margo Kondela of Boardman, with whom he made his home; his daughter, Brenda Henderson of Struthers; his sister, JoAnn Carissimi of Boardman; and his granddaughter, Michelle Ondrey of Struthers.
A private service was held Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at St. John Greek Orthodox Church.
The family would like to thank the staff from the fourth-floor trauma unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for the compassion and patience they provided to Jim.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the St. John Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 4955 Glenwood Ave., Boardman, OH 44512.
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