James Ralph Nichols, age 79, of Poyen passed away February 10, 2022 at St Vincent Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born April 1, 1942 in Cooter, Missouri to James Franklin and Frances Laverne Nichols. He was a member of Poyen Missionary Baptist Church and on the missionary committee there. James is a United States Army Veteran, a Worshipful Master at Rockport Masonic Lodge, and a member of the PST Hunting Club. He also is a member of his self-made car club with his wife and best friends, Mary and Larry Ballard.

James loved any time he could spend with his wife of 59 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed traveling, going to car shows, tinkering in his shop, singing specials and in the choir at church, donating numerous hours to building the Poyen Veteran's Memorial, and going to car auctions for his used car lot with one of his best friends, Jimmy Hixon, that he helped take care of until his passing.

Ralph was married to the love of his life and best friend, Judy, for 59 beautiful years, but he also had a 9 year love/hate relationship with the build of his homemade '57 convertible Belair Chevy. The car he built from scratch that his youngest grandson, Evan, said would never run. Out of tens of thousands of applicants, it was featured in Snap-On Tools' calendar. He also was proud of his '31 Chevy truck with 4-wheel drive that he built. He was a proud Chevy man.

James Ralph Nichols was without a doubt one of the kindest, most gentle, genuine, and humble men. He was an incredible model for so many. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. His willingness to show emotion is a trait more men could use. His desire to help, counsel, and love was unsurpassed.

Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Gene Nichols and Wayne Nichols, his grandson, Austin Walker, and his nephew, Gene Nichols.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Nichols, children: Ravonna Nichols and Kimberly (Richard) Phelps, honorary daughters: Nong Sutawasan and Laura (Troy) Brown, grandchildren: Sarah (Max) Thornton and Evan Phelps, great-grandchildren: Elijah James, Emmett, and Everett Thornton, sister-in-law: Karen Nichols, Deborah (Chuck) Giocho, brother-in-law: Eddie (Georgia) Hicks, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 6-8 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Poyen Missionary Baptist Church followed by a graveside service at Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery with Bro. Bobby Goodknight officiating. Pallbearers include: Matt Moore, Tommy Ray Moore, Burt Hicks, Jacob Hicks, Tyler Hicks, Jeff Young, Drew Kidder, and Eric Gioco. Honorary pallbearers include: Kyle Hull, Dickie Walker, Shel Mangipen, and David Vann.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.