James M. Nickle ("Mike"), age 63, died Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018. Mike was born May 30, 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mike is survived by his beloved wife Deborah S. Nickle ("Debbie") of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughter Ashley Herd and her husband Joseph of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his daughter Lauren Kliewer and her husband Samuel of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his grandson Brecken Herd of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his granddaughter Anniston Herd of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his parents Carolyn and Jimmie Nickle of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his brother Robert Keith Nickie and his wife Deborah of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his nephew Dustin Nickle and his wife Karen of Bixby, Oklahoma; his great niece Allison Nickle of Bixby, Oklahoma; and his great nephew Parker Nickle of Bixby, Oklahoma.

Mike married his high school sweetheart Debbie on August 6, 1977. They met as children at Sheridan Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from East Central High School in 1972 and later attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. There he played football as a kicker and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Physiology. Mike and his wife Debbie began their life together and raised their daughters in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he began working as a pharmaceutical representative for USV Laboratories. In 1986 he eventually left the medical sales profession to join his family business in the construction and materials industry. For over thirty years he worked tirelessly at growing the business and creating a legacy for his later generations and served as both the Vice President and President of the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma. Mike was a shrewd, but fair businessman.

Mike was a "gentle giant" with a heart of gold and a fierce love for his family. There isn't anything he would not do for his animals or his children. He was especially fond of his two grandchildren whom he would openly admit had him "wrapped around their fingers". Mike enjoyed many hobbies, including acquiring various collectibles and enjoying concerts and events with his wife. Mike will be greatly missed and remembered for many things. He was honest, hard-working, loyal, tender, and a generous provider -- just to name a few. However, the word that most defines Mike is "strength". He was the rock and anchor that his family depended on and he was devoted to carrying any burden for them, which was never too great. He was one of a kind and to those who knew him, this world here on earth will be significantly less spectacular in his absence. However, through his family, his legacy will continue.

Thank you to all who have come to honor Mike and for all of the thoughts, prayers and kindness shown during this time. His family finds peace and comfort in knowing that Mike has gone to take his place in heaven where he will be patiently waiting for each of them. A graveside service in memoriam will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or The Tulsa SPCA.
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