Pastor James Heinley Nichols, 87, of Chapin, South Carolina entered the Church Triumphant on Monday, January 2, 2023. Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on February 9, 1935, he was the son of the late Melvin Watson Nichols and Burnetta Heinley Nichols. Jim faithfully served various congregations in Ohio and South Carolina during his 62 years of ordination. These congregations included: Mt Hope Lutheran in Shiloh OH, 1961-1964; Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Seville OH, 1964-1967, and Reformation Lutheran in Columbia, SC 1981-1988. Jim also served as Assistant to the Bishop of the OH Synod Office 1967-1975. From 1975-1980 he served as Director and Retreat Leader at Yokefellow Institute in Richmond IN. Finally, prior to “retirement”, Jim served as Executive Director for Central SC Habitat for Humanity Columbia SC, 1988-1997. Following “retirement” Jim served as interim pastor for various churches throughout the midlands of South Carolina and continued to supply as he was able until 2022. He especially appreciated serving as supply pastor for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Jenkinsville, SC.
A Celebration of the Resurrection Promise will be held Saturday January 7th at 1:00 at Reformation Lutheran Church Columbia, SC. Committal and burial will occur immediately following at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Chapin, SC. The family will receive friends and family for food and fellowship prior to the service from 11:00-12:30 in the reception hall of Reformation Lutheran Church.
