James' Memorial Video

James McNichols' Memorial Mass Video

James McNichols Military Honors

James Willard McNichols, age 90, of Matlacha, FL, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.  James was born on April 15, 1934, in New London, Wisconsin, to Willard and Lela McNichols.  He graduated from Hortonville High School in 1952.  On September 29, 1956, he married Audrey L. Collar at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Hortonville, Wisconsin. Shortly after their marriage, James was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years in the Ordnance Corps. During this time, they began to grow their family of eight children.

On April 15, 1959, James began his career at IBM in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.  In 1982, James and Audrey transferred to IBM's Rochester location, where he worked as a system's analyst.  During this time, they made their home in the in Zumbro Falls area.  In 1988, James accepted a position at the IBM office in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he worked until his retirement in July 1992 as a Senior Systems Engineer.

James and Audrey shared a love for camping and traveling, taking many adventures with family.  They traveled extensively across the U.S., including trips to Alaska and Europe. James also enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Canada and The Great Lakes with his sons and extended family.  He was dedicated to staying connected to those he loved, spending many hours communicating with his family and friends through his computer.

Over the years, James and Audrey lived in several homes, all of which were warm and welcoming. These homes became places of cherished memories with family and friends.  After retiring, they purchased a home in Matlacha, FL and embraced the snowbird lifestyle.

James is survived by his children, Marianne (Donald) Zuehlke of Shawano, WI, Michelle (Robert) Olla of Amherst, WI, Steven (Brenda) McNichols of Janesville, WI, Michael (Polly) McNichols of Bremerton, WA, Stephanie (Daryle) Hanson of Stevens Point, WI, Kevin (Jody) McNichols of Bancroft, WI, Brian McNichols of Hortonville, WI, and Kelly (Allen) Steichen of Rochester, MN; 27 grandchildren and 28 great-granchildren; his sister, Jeannine (Leroy) Conradt, his brother David (Marlene) McNichols, his brother Arlyn (Blanc) McNichols, his sister Patricia (Richard) Schroeder, his sister Bonnie (Ronald) Lambie, his brother Thomas (Jean) McNichols, his sister Donna (Robert) Borszich, his sister Sally (William) Wunderlich, his sister Cynthia (Robert) Ogurek, his sister Colleen (Jan) Arendt, and his sister Suzanne Young; as well as in-laws from the Collar family. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents, Willard and Lela McNichols; his brother Harold; his sister, Barbara; brother-in-law, Art Sommers; his brother-in-law, Larry Young; and his sister-in-law, Karyl McNichols.

The Memorial Service for James will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December, 30, 2024, at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Hortonville, Wisconsin, with Fr. Phil Schoofs officiating, and full military rights to follow. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will be in Union Cemetery in Hortonville.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to The American Legion Boys and Girls State Program. Dad had received this award in high school.