James Hood Nichols

JAMES HOOD NICHOLS, age 84, a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, TN passed away at 5:20 a.m. on June 22, 2013 at the Jefferson County Nursing Home. Hood was very active in the business community. He continued the agricultural legacy of his parents (Harley and Reba) by founding and operating Kimber Chicks Hatchery and Nic?s Foods, Inc. Hood was also one of the founders of First Peoples Bank, Jefferson City, as well as one of the original Board of Directors. Determination and a will to succeed became a driving force for Hood after an unforeseen farming accident occurred while on college break from the University of Maryland, which left Hood without sight in his right eye. Hood, a natural right-hand shooter, switched his gun to the left-hand side, began clay target shooting and became one of the sports all-time great champions. He excelled and became National Doubles Champion in 1965, named to the All-American Trapshooting Team three times and was elected to the TN Trapshooting Hall of Fame, while winning numerous state and regional titles. Hood took pride in hunting, fishing, carriage driving, and being an accomplished Instrument Rated Pilot for many years. Some of Hood?s favorite moments were enjoying watching his son continue in his footsteps, grow the family business and excel in shared hobbies. Hood enjoyed celebrating and living the life he shared over the past 35+ years with his best friend and wife, Judy. He is survived by his wife, Judy A. Nichols; daughters, Nan (Alan) Jones, and Connie (Gary) Cinder; son, Jim (Debbie) Nichols; step-daughters, Connie (Rusty) Goddard, and Donna (Bill) Chrisman; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. In following Hood?s wishes, a private family service was held in celebration of Hood?s life. A very special thanks to everyone at the Jefferson County Nursing Home and to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice. Cards are welcomed by Judy at 1783 Flat Gap Road, Jefferson City, TN 37760. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to NRA Institute for Legislative Action, Attn: Diane Smith, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Donations should be made out to NRA-ILA and include the full name and address of the donor, name of the deceased, and city and state in which the deceased resided. Any amount is appreciated and donors can request a sympathy letter be sent to the family by providing the name and address to which you wish it sent. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN JEFFERSON CITY, TN 865-475-3892