James E. Nickerson

James E. Nickerson was born July 23, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was the son of the late Otto and Ethel Nickerson.  He grew up in the heart of farm country in Tabor, Iowa.  There he attended local schools and participated in all sports and other activities.  During his Senior year of Highschool, he made Allstate Fullback, and was named by the Des Moines Register, “The best college prospect in the Southwest Iowa Conference”. 

In 2005, noted journalist Chuck Offenburger published a book titled, “The History of Iowa Highschool Athletic Association 100 year Anniversary”. Wherein he determined James as one of the top 25 greatest Iowa Highschool athletes of all time. 

After Highschool, James joined the US Army, during the Korean War.  He was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri and later at Atlanta General Depot, where he attained the rank of Sargent.  While stationed in Atlanta, he met the love of his life, Gladiola Hall of Dawsonville, GA.  The two were married on December 22, 1951.  To this union, were born two children, Marsha and Mark. 

Settling in Atlanta, he was employed by Great Southern Trucking Company, and attended The Atlanta division of the University of Georgia.  He was hired by Cities Service Oil Company in 1956 and opened 32 service stations in the Atlanta area, while attending E.K. Williams School of Finance.  He was twice named, “Citgo Man of the Year” for the Southern region, first in 1966 and again in 1969.  He retired as Petroleum Sales Manager in 1973.

After leaving Citgo, he was employed by Gainesville Pump Company as Sales Manager, and later Preferred Pump Company.  He retired in 2001 as Sales Manager for Preferred Pump Company. 

His hobbies included, drawing, woodworking, bush hogging his pasture, horseback riding, deer hunting and computers.  He especially enjoyed coaching little league football and church league girls basketball.  He was a member of the Atlanta Area Football Association, where he refereed Highschool football for 27 years.  Nick and Gladiola are lifelong Methodist and have been members of, Columbia Drive Methodist Church, Embry Hill Methodist Church, and currently McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of the Gideon’s International. 

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gladiola Hall Nickerson of Dawsonville.  Son and daughter in law, Mark and Lynn Nickerson of Dawsonville, Daughter Marsha Davis of Smyrna.  Grandchildren Melanie Sorensen (Brooks) of Dawsonville, Katie Scott (Randy) of Sugar Hill, Grandson Sgt. Ryan Nickerson (Gabrielle) of South Korea, Grandson Connor Nickerson (Samantha) Atlanta.  Great grandchildren Ellie Cate Sorensen, Brody Brooks Sorensen, McKenna Elizabeth Nickerson, Lilly Claire Isabel Scott.  Special mention of two additional great-grandchildren arriving in July and October.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel.  Rev. Justin Combs and Rev. Sven Mosinger will officiate.  Interment will follow at Dawsonville City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday May 8th from 12 p.m. until the hour of service. 

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.