James Howard Nichols' Obituary
James “Buddy” Howard Nichols passed away on March 29, 2026, at age 83. Known affectionately by family, friends and colleagues as Buddy, Nick or Jim, he was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on December 6, 1942. After moving to Memphis in 1947, Buddy enjoyed all the post-WWII fun that 1950s Memphis had to offer. He graduated from Messick High School in 1960 and joined the Army, serving in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, Buddy returned to Memphis and obtained a business degree from Memphis State University. He remained a loyal Tigers fan throughout his life. In 1969, Buddy started a career with State Farm Insurance Company that would last over 40 years. He was a skilled golfer, once being called the State Farm “resident golf instructor.” He was very proud of the hole-in-one he hit while in his 70s. Buddy was a charming and gifted storyteller with an ability to turn nearly any situation into an epic tale worthy of a movie. He was passionate about wine and the culture and history of wine. He and Cindy, his wife of 36 years, took many trips to Napa Valley. During his travels, Buddy became a collector of vintage cork screws, cultivating a collection that rivaled some of the best in the country. He also could be found on Saturdays perusing various Memphis antique stores for any knickknacks that caught his attention. Buddy enjoyed winter camping with his friends and was fortunate to go on many adventures during his retirement, including trips to Ireland and a Mediterranean cruise which he never tired of recounting. He is preceded in death by his parents, H. Clint and Sue Nichols, his sister Mary Finn and his brother Howard “Sonny” Nichols. He is survived by his loving wife Cindy, his children Cherie Stenberg (Randy), Gary Nichols (Carolyn), his sister Sylvia Carruth, seven grandchildren and 21 nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be made at https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetary.com. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to a favorite animal shelter or The Salvation Army.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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