James A. Nicholson

James A. Nicholson, 80, Stone Circle, Watertown and Bonita Springs, FL, passed away Friday, December 22, 2017, at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House in Naples, FL.

Jim was born on October 31, 1937, in Watertown, son of Maitland J. and Dorothy Allen Nicholson. He graduated from Watertown High School and Canton ATC with a degree in business. Jim served in the United States Army. On November 4, 1961, he married Ellen J. Bastian at Holy Family Church with Reverend John Pendergast officiating. Ellen died December 25, 2004.

Jim owned and operated CR Allen Office Products, a family owned office supply company that had been in business in Watertown since the early 1900's, where he worked with his wife, Ellen, son, Robert Nicholson and daughter in law, Kathy. Robert took over the company in the mid 1990's. The Nicholson and Allen families have deep roots in the Watertown community. Jim continued this strong connection with his participation in many city organizations. He was a member of the Watertown Rotary Club for many years and was president from 1990 to 1991. Jim played an instrumental role in the development of Bicentennial Park located next to The Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds. Jim sat on the Board of Directors for Mercy Hospital during the 1990's. He was a member of the Crescent Yacht Club for many years and was a member of The Black River Valley Club. Jim was an avid private pilot and enjoyed the friendships he formed with his airport buddies. He was a member of the Watertown Flying Club, a local experimental aircraft club, where he was a key member of the team that rebuilt a 1941 J5 Piper Cub over the period of 13 years. Jim enjoyed his summers with his family in Chaumont Bay on Lake Ontario where he and his wife had a cottage next door to his parents and sister, Jean. He loved being outdoors, going boating and fishing and especially enjoyed when his grandchildren came to visit him at the lake. Jim had a knack for fixing just about anything and even had a number of inventions including a self-dialing telephone device. Those who knew Jim enjoyed his quick wit, sense of humor and ability to pull off practical jokes. Jim enjoyed his later years with his companion Kay Woodruff, spending summers on the St. Lawrence River and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jim and Kay volunteered at Bargain Box Thrift Store in Naples, Florida where Jim was affectionately known as "Bargain Box Jim". Jim will be remembered for his deep love of family, friends, the CR Allen team and the Watertown community.

Jim is survived by his companion Kay Woodruff, a son, Robert (Kathy) Nicholson, Brownville, NY, a daughter, Katherine (Chris) Masi, Trumbull, CT, a sister, Jean Lawton, Watertown, five grandchildren, Shawn Nicholson and his fiancé Alisha Markanich, Andrew Nicholson, Chris Masi, Libby Masi and Josh Masi, and many nieces and nephews. Kay's family, which were very close to Jim, her son, Bruce (Kelly) Woodruff, a daughter, Rebecca (Wells) Patterson, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be Friday, December 29th from 4pm - 7pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 30th at 11 am at Emmanuel Congregational Church. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in the spring with military honors. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Frances Georgeson Hospice House, 195 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Condolences may be made to Home | D.L Calarco Funeral Home