Jesse Martin Nichols Jr.

Age 78, of Mt. Morris, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Concerned Country Care with his family by his side. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. Pastor Joe Cottam to officiate, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park. Jesse’s family will be present to receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be considered to The Wounded Warrior Project or Our Savior Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Jesse’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Jesse was born in Flint on July 26, 1945, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jessie and Alice (Dady) Nichols, Sr. Educated locally, Jesse attended Beecher High School graduating with the Class of 1964. Jesse proudly enlisted in the United States Army on November 2, 1965, and drove the "Deuce and a Half" quad runner as an attached member of the United States Marines. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and was honorably discharged on October 11, 1967. Upon returning to civilian life, Jesse married the love of his life, Margaret Kovach, on August 10, 1968, at Our Savior Lutheran Church. A hard worker, Jesse worked on the production line at General Motors, at the Buick plant until his retirement in 1998. Jesse was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church for many years. He took pride in volunteering as an usher and helping at the church in any way he could, including assisting with the food pantry. Jesse was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything from working on and restoring cars to household items that had broken. He also had a passion for gardening and loved to keep a beautiful yard. In his younger years, Jesse played on a mixed bowling league with his beautiful bride. Hanging out at the junk yard with his buddies trying to find the best car parts was one of his favorite pastimes as well as driving his boat while smoking a cigar. Jesse always went out of his way to help anyone in need. His family was his number one priority and he loved them more than anything. He was often found with his little shadow, his grandson, Apollo, who would follow him around the house from morning until night. In his free time, he enjoyed throwing horseshoes, playing cards like Euchre and Pinochle, and watching NCIS and Law and Order. Jesse was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and he will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Jesse's memory are his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Nichols; children: Martin Nichols and long-time girlfriend, Tabetha Hahn, Malisa and husband, Tyson Dykes, grandchildren: Alayna and husband, Sammy, Zachary and girlfriend, Zoe, Jadden, Katie, Evelyn; great-grandchildren: Apollo and Elijah; several "adopted grandchildren;" special friend, Denise Willis; siblings: Bea Baker, Linda VanHorn, Gloria Kern; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law: Kenneth Baker, Junior VanHorn, and Bruce Kern; nephews: Danny and Keith.