Memorial

Leaving behind a life filled with laughter, love, and a passion for music, James A. “Nick” Nickerson, 99, passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Memorial for James Nickerson will be held on Sunday, June 7th 4:00pm CST at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2204 26th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. The service will be livestreamed via Zoom ID 825 1152 1377 password 018432.


James was born on a 110-acre farm in the town of Lloyd, Florida to Rev. Sebron M. Nickerson and Susie V. Barrington on April 16, 1927.  After the passing of his father while James was still a young boy, he and six of his thirteen siblings moved with their mother to Jacksonville, Fla.

Having served in the Army, including in Germany for 18 months as an Ammunition NCO at the end of WWII, James took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended Viriginia State for two years, then transferred to the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, Ohio. He spent some time studying textiles at Karamu House in Cleveland.

James courted and married Ruby Mae Argo in Cleveland, Ohio and spent most of his years living in Cleveland Heights. As the children started to come along a “real” job was needed.  After rigorous studying to memorize zip codes, he was hired on by the U.S. Postal Service to serve the railroad line from Cleveland to Buffalo, New York. His job was to sort the mail so it would arrive in the appropriate mail bag for each town along the route.  After over 30 years of service, James retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

James grew up with a belief in God and a love for the Bible.  A favorite scripture of his at Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.” It was this love for God’s word that motivated him to seek a deeper understanding of Bible truths.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 23rd, 2013, at the age of 86 yrs old.  He was active in his ministry up until the month of his passing.

It’s impossible to sum up 99 years of a full life in a few paragraphs.  So here are just some of James’ passions…playing Bid Whist and Spades, Chinese Checkers, attending car shows, live musical events, listening to mixed cassette tapes, playing his vinyl records, watching Westerns, reading a book or two each month, riding “shot-gun” on Lisa’s work trips, participating in the Christian ministry.  He was a gentleman’s gentleman known for his kindness and generosity.

James is survived by three daughters Kelly (Vance) Stevens of Ohio, Lisa (Jim) Lambrakis of Cedar Rapids, and Teresa Rivers of New Jersey, granddaughter Rebekkah (Kyle) Quiros, brother Melvin (Naomi) Nickerson, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by ex-wife Ruby Wright.

Thank you to all our friends, family, and Above and Beyond Hospice for your love and support.