John "JB" Benjamin Nicholas

John "JB" Benjamin Nicholas, 73, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 29, 2024 after a courageous seven month battle with pancreatic cancer.  JB’s final act of kindness was donating his organs for pancreatic cancer research.

JB was born on September 8,1950 in Pawnee City, NE to Lewis L. and Thelma M. (Babcock) Nicholas.  He was baptized in the United Presbyterian Church of Summerfield, Kansas on March 29, 1951.  He started school at District 60 where there were two John’s.  That is when he became JB.   He attended country school through the 8th grade, graduated from Pawnee City Public School then attended Peru State College.

JB married Theresa Bloss in 1970.  To this union Christopher, Melissa and Timothy were born.  In 1987 JB married Marsha Marlatt.  To this union Katelin was born.  In December 2000 JB met Candi (Apple) Tuxhorn at a dance at the ZCBJ hall.  They were married January 1, 2015.  JB welcomed Matthew and Nicole into his family.  JB and Candi loved to dance and tried to attend them all.

JB started farming with his father at an early age and continued farming until his declining health forced him to retire in 2023.  His eldest son Chris returned to the farm to work alongside him in 2017.  JB loved his wife, family, farming, and his cattle.  He was a Pawnee City School Board member for 20 years and enjoyed playing men’s slow pitch softball for many years. JB was always the first to offer his help to those around him.  JB enjoyed participating in and helping with tractor pulls.  JB volunteered each year with the Avenue of Flags at the courthouse.  He faithfully donated blood to the Red Cross, giving 151 gallons during his lifetime.  No one ever drove past the farm or met him in a vehicle without JB giving a wave.

JB was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lewis and Thelma Nicholas, and grandparents.  He is survived by his wife, Candi Nicholas, children: Chris Nicholas, Pawnee City, NE, Melissa (John) Buessing, Lincoln, NE, Tim (Katie) Nicholas, Fairport, NY, Kate (Clay) Adams, Jasper, MO, Matt (Lindsay) Tuxhorn, Syracuse, NE, Nicole (Shane) Dunn, Auburn, NE, grandchildren: Brenner Nicholas, John and Nicole Buessing, Tyler, Brady and Caroline Nicholas, Audrey, Isaac and Raegan Adams, Aubree and Reese Tuxhorn, Tinley and Marshall Dunn, sisters: Wanda Peckham and Norma (Dale Shallenberger) Nicholas, brothers-in-law: Chuck (Roxanne) Apple and Mike (Stephanie) Apple, bonus grandchildren: Ollie and Stella Gyhra, Brett and Brody Seematter, nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, cousins and many close friends.

Funeral Services 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the United Methodist Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Pastor Lauri Beach is officiating.  Visitation on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 9 a.m., to 8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Per JB’s request he wants everyone to dress casually. Memorials to family choice for a later destination.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.Services entrusted with Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska

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