John G. Nichols

October 13, 1966 - June 23, 2020

John G. Nichols, age 53 years, a resident of rural Ozark, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 23, 2020, at 3:02 PM at his home. John was born October 13, 1966 in Frankfurt, Germany. He was the sixth of seven children born to John Nichols, Sr. and Barbara (Schwarzkopf) Nichols. On January 5, 1985, John was united in marriage to Kristina Tanner at the United Methodist Church in New Burnside, Illinois. She survives. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his son- Zackary (Andrea) Nichols of Ozark; 3 grandchildren – Dayton Davis Nichols, Collin Zackary Nichols, and Destiny Delane Nichols; special grandchildren –Drake Cooper Davis and Kamden Reid Davis; 3 sisters – Theresia (Sammy) Hooper of Tennessee, Maria (Mike) Wilson of Tunnel Hill, Mitzie (Adrian) Augustus of Bowling Green, Kentucky; 2 brothers – Norman Nichols of Georgia and Danny Nichols of Tennessee; his father-in-law and mother-in-law – Charles & Lynda Tanner of New Burnside; a sister-in-law – Rhonda Hill of New Burnside; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Balmiz. John attended Vienna High School. He was employed as a carpenter as well as working as a miner at Black Beauty Coal Mine near Equality. John was a member of Saline Masonic Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. He was a non-denominational Christian. John enjoyed spending time working, tinkering and building things in his garage. John was a skilled woodworker and particularly enjoyed constructing things for his grandchildren. John will be remembered for his love of “helping people.” He always went out of his way to lend a hand to anyone who was in need of assistance. Visitation will be conducted Friday, June 26, 2020, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. At 6 PM, Masonic rites will be accorded by Saline Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. Following the masonic rites, a funeral service will be conducted. Pastor Ownly Williams will officiate. Burial will be in the Reynoldsburg Cemetery, near Tunnel Hill. Memorials may be made to the Family and can be left in care of Bailey Funeral Home, PO Box 695, Vienna, IL 62995. Those attending the visitation and service are asked to observe standard and customarily accepted social distancing guidelines.