Jim was one of the most inspiring and caring teachers at SWW. His honesty, integrity, and unbiased collegial advice were unique. In fact, I was asking about him during my retirement gathering. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be coached and mentored by him, as he and I had a common interest in physics. I borrowed many of his books to teach physics, and his support for the PRISM team (math/science club I run) was unparalleled. I am very sad to hear of his passing and regret that I did not make the effort to stay connected with him after he retired. His sharp and inquisitive thinking ability impacted many students and colleagues.
Negussie

Val McPherson, one of the founding teachers of School without Walls, just informed me that Jim, our beloved "Computer-man," at SWW has passed away. How sad. I think Jim was at SWW from roughly 1980 to about 2005. The last time I saw him was a few years ago at his tinsmith shop at the Genesee Country Museum, where he again amazed my family & I with tinsmith information & legends. It's too bad we were not aware of his funeral, where we could have told some "Jim Nicoll stories" and honored him. Perhaps our new SWW Community Board can do something. Let me know if you have ideas. . I'll always remember Jim often being the first person to arrive at SWW, as early as 6 am & often the last to leave, sometimes at 6 pm, serving the kids who needed him & the computers as they completed assignments and personal interest projects. By the way, I heard of his early morning arrivals from other teachers who happened to arrive early, but I never witnessed Jim arriving that early; since I was still at home, asleep.
My condolences to Jim's family and friends.
Dan Drmacich (SWW Principal, 1987-2010)

I always enjoyed working with Jim at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. He was always so kind as he shared his wealth of knowledge with visitors and fellow interpreters alike. He has been missed. Peggy Roll

Paul Helberg

I taught with Jim for several years at Monroe High School, worked with Jim at RCSD’s School Without Walls and coordinated many of Jim’s computer classes through the Rochester Teacher Center. I always appreciated talking to Jim at work and while visiting him at the Genesee Country Museum. He was the kindest and gentlest individual I have ever met.

The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in James' passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.

Mr Nichols was a cool teacher. Most days he would have some contraption set up and we would have to see if it worked. Condolences' to his family.