James Alfonso Nichols

"To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord"

James Alfonso Nichols, age 90, of Diamondhead, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Frizzell Nichols; his parents, James Alfonso Nichols and Annie Bynum Nichols; and his sister, Earline Nichols Westbrook.

He is survived by his children, Robert "Bob" Nichols (Yasmin), Lee Ann Nichols, Cathryn Nichols Sparks (James), and Joni Westbrook Rose; his grandchildren, Aslyn Gautreau, Quade Aymond (Laci), Sadie Aymond Fitzwater (Richard), Kaycee Stevens (Micheal), Cole Stevens (Maddie), Cathryn "Caty" Stevens (Garrett White), Caleb Nichols, Tina Rose head (James), Travis Rose (Brittany), and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece, Debra Westbrook Bouley, and nephews, James Richard "Dickie" Frizzell, and Randall "Randy" Frizzell.

James was a graduate of Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Louisiana College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served in The United States Naval Reserves from 1950 to 1954 and then in The United States Army from 1967 to 1974 where he was Captain Chaplain and then promoted to Major beginning in 1974. He was a Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and Air Medal.

He served as pastor at many Baptist churches throughout Louisiana beginning with his first church, Dixie Baptist in Sieper, Louisiana in 1954. He retired in 2006 from Winbourne Avenue Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. James was also Director of Churches for The Judson Baptist Association in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and worked for Kaiser Aluminum also in Baton Rouge.

James enjoyed reading, singing, playing the guitar, poetry, hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his wife and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Brownfields Baptist Church, 11998 Plank Rd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70811, beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association or The Parkinson's Foundation.

 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

                                                                                                     2 Timothy 4:7

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is serving the family.