John W. "Jack" Nichols

john nichols
It is with deep sadness that the Nichols family shares the news that Jack Nichols of Fairfax, Virginia, beloved husband of Karen Kuper Nichols, father of Ian Nichols, Jessica Nichols Speed and Stephen Nichols, and friend to every single person he met, left us far too soon on Friday, September 17, 2021 after waging a valiant fight against a double lung infection caused by the virus COVID-19, complicated by his long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Born to Laura and Clarence Nichols on July 16, 1966, in the small town of Fayette City, Pennsylvania, Jack entered the world a consummate sports fan and a devout Steelers fan who never stopped cheering. He was adored by his brothers, Wayne and James Nichols, and his sisters Phyllis Emerick and Janet Nichols. The fact that most people describe Jack as a "prince of a man," likely stems from how much his siblings revered him since birth.

Entering the Air Force further sharpened Jack's innate drive to do his very best in all things. His storied career spanned service to the Clinton White House, with Jack flying ahead to locations abroad to set up "all things IT," then to the US House of Representatives, where Jack met his love, Karen. Most recently, he served as Chief Technology Officer of Federal – Civilian Services for CDW-G, having managed the deployment of over 500,000 i-Pads for the purpose of conducting the 2020 United States Census during the pandemic.

Brilliant and accomplished as he was, Jack was truly a laid-back man who would give you the shirt off of his back. He was a lover of music and an avid Harley guy. His most recent passion was playing competitive darts although golf was the game he loved most and enjoyed in healthier years. His friends at The Revolution Darts & Billiards would tell you how generous and kind he was, albeit a relentless pool shark. Even if you didn't need anything extra for guests, you could be sure that Jack would quietly make a quick trip to the store (“I'll be right back, honey!”) and return with pastries and snacks galore. A captivating, genuine person, a mentor to many, a great listener, Jack would do literally anything for those he loved. Throughout his career, in contrast to the dog-eat-dog world of DC politics and federal government, Jack stood tall as a unique, caring leader who always, always had the backs of his teammates.

Most of all, he deeply loved his family. In addition to his wife Karen, his children Ian, Jessica and Stephen, his mother Laura, his siblings, Wayne, James, Phyllis and Janet, Jack was blessed with four grandchildren: Ryder Sinsky, Sawyer Sinsky, Ariana Speed and Sebastian Webb. Jack was endlessly supportive of Jessica and Stephen, his children from his first marriage. He was proud of who they are and who they will continue to become. He loved his wife Karen and his son Ian with his whole being, and would want all of those he leaves behind to wrap his entire family in support and encouragement as they step forward without his larger-than-life presence. Jack could fill up a room, with his smile and his stories, but most of all, his loving heart. He will be missed forever and remembered with love.

Memorial donations in Jack's name may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (See Below for direct a direct link)

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  2. I cant express how deeply sorry I am to hear the passing of Jack, he went to school with my brother Eric Fertal. We sure had alot of fun growing up when we were younger, we especially had alot of fun at our family’s cabin (The Caboose) Jack always had a smile on his face and could always make you smile. I loved talking to him. I will miss you. Debora (Fertal) Benczo

  3. Jack was one of the kindest and genuine people I had the privilege to work with. He always had a smile and truly enjoyed life. He made complex problems seem trivial. I will miss him. Till we meet again, RIP Jack.

  4. I had the pleasure of working with Jack at CDW-G. He was an incredibly kind man with a big heart. He will be very missed. My deepest condolences to his family during this time. – Rachel Edwards

  5. Jack was such a dear friend and I miss him so much. He brought so much joy and laughter to his friends. Rest in peace my good friend. Rick

  6. I had the privilege of working with Jack at CDWG. We bonded over his CLL battle, and he happily agreed to served as a mission speaker during an LLS fundraising golf event. Jack was always so calm, caring and kind. I will never forget his smile. My condolences go out to his family.

  7. Jack- You were a diamond in the rough, and it was an honor to work with you….so many great memories. My condolences to the Nichols family during this time. RIP, Jack.

    • Jack, I come this evening to offer support to your family; not to say goodbye as your kind, gentle spirit and good natured humor will remain with me for all my days. Thank you for sharing the past 6 years with me. I learned so much from you. Not just the inputs and outcomes, but also the ‘why’ and the ‘how’. I miss you my friend.

  8. Jack and I worked together on the 2020 United States Census project. He was a pleasure to work with and always treated everyone with respect—my condolences.

  9. Jack was my neighbor for many years and over that time we became good friends. During breaks in yard work and running errands we would talk about life, family, and many other things (and the Steelers, of course). He was so smart and knowledgeable that I always wanted to know his opinion on things. More importantly, he was such a caring and compassionate person. I will miss my talks with him sorely. Karen and Ian, and the rest of his family, please accept my deepest condolences.

  10. Karen Kuper Nichols, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide