Jack R. McNichols, age 71 of The Villages, FL, formerly of Metropolis, IL, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2019, at his home, with his wife by his side. He was born March 11, 1948 to Leston “Nick” and Mable (Davis) McNichols, who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home in Metropolis, IL. Graveside services will follow in Metropolis Memorial Gardens with Rev. Allen Boland officiating.
Jack retired from Electric Energy Inc., after 32 years and was a member of Metropolis First Baptist Church. His greatest joy was being with his family and working on one of his handmade knives in his workshop. He was quite proud to be a member of the Illinois Artisans’ Program with his knives being displayed for sale at Rend Lake Southern Illinois State Museum Society.
Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Claudia (Yates) McNichols of The Villages, FL; daughter, Lesli Ablett and husband James of Paducah, KY; son, Clay McNichols and wife Amanda of Athens, AL; six grandchildren, Ian and Kyli Ablett of Paducah, KY, Tristan Ablett of Metropolis, IL, Sophia, Delaney and Kensie McNichols of Athens, AL; sister, Rheitta Eleam of Metropolis, IL; mother-in-law, Bernice Yates of The Villages, FL; three nieces, Martha Boland, Susan Shinn and Jamie Moore; two nephews, Jason and Jonah Moore.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Clarence Yates; brother-in-law, Durwood Eleam; sister-in-law, Dianne (Yates) Moore.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jack’s name to American Parkinson’s Disease Associations; APDA-MW, 1800 North Main Street Suite 215, Wheaton, IL 60187 or Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
