James "Jim" Nickolite

James "Jim" Nickolite, age 79, of Columbus, died Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk.

James E. Nickolite was born January 17, 1935 in Columbus, Nebraska to Ed and Barbara (Lassek) Nickolite. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from Kramer High in 1954. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1954-1957. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jim was a longtime thoroughbred horse trainer and owner. He trained and raced horses throughout the Midwest. Jim married Mary K. Micek on January 29, 1966 at St. Anthony Church in Columbus. They lived in Columbus where Jim continued in the horse racing business. He also worked at Behlen Mfg. in quality control and shipping for 25 years until his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. Bonaventure Church where he ushered for many years. He was a member of the VFW #3704 and enjoyed bowling and his coffee crowd.

He is survived by:
Wife: Mary K. Nickolite of Columbus
Daughter: Cheri Nickolite (Steve Wortman)of Columbus
Son: Greg Nickolite of Omaha
Daughter: Stacia Nickolite (Gypsy) of Columbus
Granddaughter: Alyssa Nickolite
Grandson: Jase Nickolite
Sister: Dolores Luchsinger of Denver
Sister-in-law: Donna Nickolite of Lincoln

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bob.

Memorials are suggested for Mass Intentions, St. Bonaventure Church or donors choice