John G Nicholson

JOHN G. NICHOLSON, 87, of Ellis Grove, Illinois, passed away at 7:15 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living, Carlyle, Illinois.

He was born to the late Glenn and Edna (nee Thomas) Nicholson on April 20, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri.

John had worked for Zanders Sporting Goods for over 20 years.

John enjoyed taking long drives and playing cards.

John served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division from 1959 to 1962, and he was especially proud to have been a paratrooper.

Survivors:

3 Children:

   Cheryl (Arthur) Martin  Belleville, IL.

   Georgette Nicholson  Prairie du Rocher, IL

   Don (Lisa) Nicholson  Red Bud, IL

2 Step-Children:

   Lori (Bill) Thomas  Lenzburg, IL

   Richard Mulholland

1 Brother:

    Robert Nicholson  Red Bud, IL

Long-time Companion: 

   Jean Smith  Ellis Grove, IL

Good Friend:

   Steve Smith  Ellis Grove, IL

11 Grandchildren: 

Megan (Shawn) Ballor, A.J. (Katie) Martin, Amber Nicholson, Ashley Nicholson, Adam Nicholson, Aaron Nicholson, Levi Smith, Zoey Smith, John Murray, Carl Walsh, and Layla Walsh

2 Great Grandchildren:

   Savannah and Lane Martin

Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, 1st Wife – Elizabeth (nee Leemon) Nicholson, 2nd Wife – Carolyn (nee Rednour) Nicholson, 1 Daughter – Nichole Nicholson, 2 Brothers – Edward Nicholson and David Nicholson, 3 Sisters – Rose (Kenneth)Romine, Martha Carnahan, and Delores (Roy R.) McMillan, and 2 Sisters-in-law – Diane Nicholson & Emily Nicholson

It was John’s wish to be cremated. A Celebration of Life and burial at Gilbert Cemetery, Ames, Illinois, will take place at a later date.