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James M. Nickel


“JAMES NICKEL with the News” wrote and broadcasted his last report on July 10, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 15, at Columbus Berean Church with Pastor Justin Bebb officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and will continue Saturday, from 9:00 AM until service time, at the church. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. The funeral service will be broadcast live on the Columbus Berean Church YouTube channel.

James M. Nickel was born March 10, 1953 to Gerhard & Norma (Schmidt) Nickel in Omaha NE. His family moved to Oklahoma for a short time, then settled in Newton, KS where he graduated from High School at Berean Academy in 1971. He then went to college at Grace University - graduating with a Pastoral Ministries degree in 1975. He finished out his education at Brown Institute for Radio Broadcasting in 1978.

James was married to Donna Swartley on June 4, 1977. Three children were born into this family, James Daniel, Janna, and Elizabeth.

In 1978 James began his “official” radio career at KJSK and KOXI later renamed KLIR. This was to be a 2 - 3 year stint, that turned into a 45 year legacy.

Faith was always very important to James. At the age of 10 he recognized his need for a Savior and accepted God’s gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ his Lord. James served at church - through music, Bible study, leadership, youth ministry, and just loving others while sharing a bit of wit & fun. James’ life-long hobbies were fishing and FISHING and especially fishing in northern Minnesota.

James will be missed by many but especially by: Wife: Donna (Swartley) Nickel of Columbus, NE Son: J. Daniel (Ellie) Nickel of California Daughter: Janna Nickel of Australia Daughter: Elizabeth Nickel of Colorado Sister: Joetta (Duane) Moyer of Pennsylvania Sister: Nancy (Jim) Roupp of Kansas Mother-in-law: Carol Swartley of Minnesota Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law: Darla & Mike Hardesty, Tom & Carrie Swartley, Nanette & Tom Rohwer all of Minnesota Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends and colleagues.

James is joining in heaven: Parents: Gerhard & Norma Nickel Father-in- law: Lester Swartley Brother-in-law: David Swartley

James was a bone and tissue donor through Live On Nebraska.

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