Honoring Jay Nicholls: A Celebration of Life

On May 22nd, 2024, my dad, Jay Nicholls passed away unexpectedly. I am raising funds for his celebration of life, any funds not used for the celebration will be put toward Jay’s granddaughter Eleanor’s, college fund.

Jay was born on December 9th, 1949 to Fred and LaVern Nicholls in Salem, Oregon. He was born prematurely, only weighing four pounds, and surprised all that he survived early infancy. He grew up in a loving home and regularly participated in golf and frequent trips to Neskowin, where Jay fell in love with the ocean and became an avid and talented surfer.

Jay spent the majority of his life on the Oregon Coast working a variety of careers, from greenskeeper to longtime manager of the Lookout Gift Shop on Cape Foulweather. In the last 15 years of his life, Jay worked as a sales representative, getting to spend his time traveling to the most beautiful places in the pacific northwest. No matter where he worked, Jay always prioritized a career that allowed for a high quality of life and time spent enjoying the beauty of nature.

Jay leaves behind a daughter, Hannah, and granddaughter, Eleanor, both of whom he was an extremely dedicated, loved, and important figure in their lives. Jay's dedication to fatherhood extended beyond his biological child to anyone in need of love, care, and acceptance, in particular becoming a father to Mike and Levi. Jay also leaves behind his long time partner, Gail, who filled his life with love, laughter, travel, and an incredible amount of cribbage.

Additionally, Jay leaves behind a large group of close and treasured friends, many of whom he had been friends with for over 50 years. All who knew Jay knew him for his bottomless kindness and generosity, always proving to accept people for who and where they were, his gentle spirit, warmth, and childlike playfulness.