Jack Nickels, 78, North Manchester, passed away on Nov. 9, 2020, at his home. One of twelve children, Jack was born to the late Willie and Polly (Maynard) Nickels on April 25, 1942, in Pilgrim, Ky.

When Jack was 21, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Enterprise. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Jack began working at Warner Corporation, North Manchester. He later worked at Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, before retiring from Cyclone Manufacturing Co., Urbana. While Jack never forgot where he lived and came from, he loved the mountains of West Virginia and watching the West Virginia Mountaineers. During the holidays, Jack played Christmas carols on his harmonica and guitar for his family. He loved listening to all types of music, especially bluegrass. Jack’s nieces and nephews held a very special place in his heart, and he thought of them as his own children. He had an enormous heart and was generous to those in need, but his compassion and generosity didn’t stop with people. He also fed stray animals and saved a cat, which he kept and named Pus. Jack loved being outside and relished in his time hunting, hiking, feeding birds, and growing his garden.

The loving memory of Jack Nickels will be forever cherished by his brothers, Dan Nickels, Charles Nickels, David (Nancy) Nickels and Chet Nickels, all of Sarah Ann, W. Va.; sisters, Koleen (Jeff) Weimann, Roann, Indiana, and Connie (Gary) Nester, Laurel Fork, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John Nickels, Paul Nichols, Lloyd Nichols, and Terry Nichols; and sister, Virginia “Ginny” Reedy.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Jack Nickels, a love offering may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.