James Jacob Nichols, "Jake", 88, died Sunday, November 29, 2015 surrounded by his family. Born August 10, 1927 he was the youngest son of Bennie C. and Nina Black Nichols. He was a graduate of Hollywood High School where he was a talented basketball player.

Jake was a lifelong member of Corinth Lutheran Church. He attended Clemson University, where he was a member of the basketball team. Jake was a US Army veteran of World War II and served in the South Carolina National Guard. He often told his family he was thrilled to serve his country in preparing servicemen for duty. Jake had a close relationship with his brothers and brother-in-law (Harold Longshore) in the partnership of Nichols & Longshore Dairy where he took on the task of spreading fertilizer throughout the farm. He worked as a rural carrier 41 years for the US Postal Service. He was a member of the Hollywood Ruritan Club, Saluda Cattlemen's and Forestry Associations.

Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Trudie Hipp Nichols. Sons: Hubert (Louise), James (Rebecca), and daughter, Connie (Kevin Lake) all of Saluda. Grandchildren: Heath (Jessica), Paige (Harrison Crawford), Chelsea, Jack, Samantha, Brent and Jordan Lake. Sisters: Matildia Watson Freeland and Nellie Riley and two great-grandchildren, Sarah Ann and Emerson.

He was preceded in death by brothers Tillman, Roy, Wilson, Guy, Paul, Grady, Gilbert, Infant Brother, and Joseph, Sisters: Annie Rose, Georgia Fae Leverette and Mamie Lee Longshore.

Services will be held at Corinth Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Pam Turfa and Rev. Bill Stone officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial can be made to Corinth Lutheran Church, 3178 Denny Highway, Prosperity, SC 29127.