Remsen/Herkimer: Mr. James Edward "Jim" Nichols, 63, of Remsen, formerly a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away on December 29, 2011 in the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, after a long illness. At the time of his passing, his family was at his side. Jim was born on October 4, 1948 in Herkimer, a son of the late Harold and Marion (Gould) Nichols (of Norway, NY). He was educated in West Canada Valley School and was member of the Class of 1966. He then attended Utica School of Commerce, with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration. He started his career in the petroleum industry with Herkimer Petroleum, retiring in 2010 from Clifford Fuel, Inc., after more than 20 years of service. Mr. Nichols was a 22 year member of the Herkimer Elks Lodge 1439, holding the positions of Exalted Ruler, District Deputy, Chairman of the Trustees, and House Committee Chairman. In 2005, he was Elk of the Year. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends at Buckhorn Hunting Camp and his Piseco Lake camp for over 40 years. He was an enthusiastic Nascar fan and enjoyed Syracuse Dome sporting events. He is survived by his beloved fiancée, Nancy L. Williams, of Remsen, sons, James F. Nichols and Michelle Carney, and Scott Nichols and his wife, Lori, and a daughter, Sarah and her husband Rodney Livas. He also leaves Nancy's children, Joshua Williams, Jeremy and wife Alyssa Williams, and Elizabeth and husband Justin Kaido. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Brittney Clay, Brianna Nichols, Morgan and Michial Nichols, Isaac and Isabella Livas, and Jackson Williams. He is also survived by two sisters, Marlene Casey and husband Joseph and Pat Kemp and husband Bob, a brother, Jon Nichols and wife Delores, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and a grandson, Christopher Scott Nichols. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 2-6 pm and Sunday, January 1, 2012 from 10-11 am at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort) 894-8000. Anyone wishing transportation to the funeral home may call. His funeral will take place on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 11 am, also at the funeral home. The Herkimer Elks will meet at the funeral home at 5 pm on Saturday to conduct their ritualistic service. In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider a donation in Jim's memory to the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family is being cared for by Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Director. To add to Jim's online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com.