Jerry Russell Nichols

Jerry Russell Nichols was born in Los Angeles, California on March 24, 1942. Surrounded by faith and love, he passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 22, 2017. Jerry attended Putnam City High School where he met the love of his life, Kris Bretz. He graduated Oklahoma State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the OSU College of Business. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1969. During college, Jerry was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity serving as both Recorder and Commander (President). He was a four year member of the OSU college of business honor roll and student council. Professionally, he was President of the law firm Nichols, Wolfe, Stamper, Nally, Fallis & Robertson from 1976 to 2006. He joined Hall Estill "of counsel" in 2007. He was a co-founder and director of Fintube Limited Partnership and numerous banks and savings and loan institutions in Oklahoma. He served on the Tulsa Foundation, the OSU Tulsa President's Cabinet, as a Director of the University of Tulsa College of Law Alumni Association, OSU Foundation Board of Governors and Trustees, and the OSU Alumni Association Executive Committee. His lifetime support of OSU was recently recognized by the Spears School of Business "100 for 100 Tributes". Jerry supported his community through involvement in the Rotary Club, Philbrook Museum, Nicholas Club of Tulsa Boys Home, Boy Scouts of America, the United Way, and Tulsa Opera. He served on the board of directors of Monte Cassino school, the Tulsa Tennis Club, and the vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church. He co-owned and coordinated the renovation of Tulsa's Old City Hall building, now listed on the registries of both the Oklahoma and National Societies of Historic Structures. He was generous with his time, talent and resources, always willing to help where he could. Jerry enjoyed seeing the world with Kris and his family and friends. He loved watching sports and cheering for his children, grandchildren, and beloved OSU Cowboys. Jerry appreciated weekends at the lake, reading, movies, music, concerts, snow skiing, scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, and attending tennis tournaments. Playing tennis with friends at Southern Hills and the Tulsa Tennis Club was his favorite way to spend the day. Jerry was a loyal and cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and an irreplaceable friend. His unyielding devotion to his wife, Kris, throughout her life was an inspiration to all. Truly, he was one of a kind and a gentleman in every sense. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Kris Bretz Nichols: mother, June Smith; and brother, John Nichols. He is survived by his brother, Pat Nichols; sister-in-law, Debbie Nichols; daughter, Nancy Van Doren and son-in-law, Blake Loveless; daughter, Erin Peters and son-in-law, John Peters; son, Justin Nichols; grandchildren, Erika, Blake, JJ and Vincent; nephews, Cody Gotcher, Link Gotcher and Carter Nichols. Thank you to his friends, loved ones and caregivers for your kindness. A memorial service celebrating Jerry's life will be held 1:00 pm Friday, December 1 at St John's Episcopal Church,4200 South Atlanta Place Tulsa, OK. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

Jerry Russell Nichols

March 24, 1942 - November 22, 2017