James Vernice "Bao" Nichols

James Vernice "Bao" Nichols

Knoxville - James Vernice "Bao" Nichols, age 86, of Knoxville passed away Sunday afternoon, July 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.

James worked as a diesel mechanic at Neeley Produce and was retired from Bonanza Produce.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Helen Marie Nichols; son, Terry Lynn Nichols; grandson, Trevor Nichols and Chase Woods; parents, Isaac and Imogene Nichols; sisters, Mary Galyon and Anna Nichols; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest Green and Leona Loveday Gibson; brother-in-law, Eddie Loveday; sister-in-law, Joyce Thomas.

James is loving remembered by his daughters, Judy Lane, Pam (Shawn) Bracken, Jamea (Robert Sorah III) Gambrell, Vickie (Scott) Greene, Beth (Chris) Powell; 18 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and one great great grandson; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Doris and Jerry Price, Fred Thomas and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday followed by a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. with Rev. John Justice officiating at the Click Funeral Home Middlebrook Chapel.

Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Piney Grove Cemetery for graveside services.

Serving as pall bearers will be Nicholas Blair, Zane Blair, Jeremy Bumgardner, James Barnes Sr., Rodney McAllister and Matthew Pyatt

Special thanks to Lindsay Lee for her love and care of James in his final days.